January the Second
Jamie was discharged from the hospital the day after New Year's.
He was given five minutes to say goodbye before he would be escorted to jail. His mother was watching Jack and Daisy, and only Cathy remained to send him off.
He'd be there for a year. A whole year. He wasn't sure if he was fearful or if he was annoyed. He decided he was a little bit of both.
"It'll be fine," Cathy said. "I'll visit as much as I can, and you'll see Stuart, I think…and I'll bring your mum…"
He nodded; he knew her well enough to recognize that she was about to cry.
"It's only for a year," she said, more to herself than to him, her eyes welling with tears. "It's only…for…a…year…"
"I'll be alright," he said quietly, swallowing hard. "I won't get into too much trouble, for your sake."
She nodded, hastily swiping her face with her sleeve. He leaned in and gave her a lingering kiss.
"Wait for me?" he whispered when he pulled away.
She threw herself into his arms. "Don't even ask."
All too soon, he was walking out of the room, glancing at Cathy and holding her gaze until the door shut.
