I just wanted to say that the storyline with Jim is actually a very real story line. I help take care of him almost daily. So this helps me process what I go through helping him.


"Morning darling!" He started placing kisses all over her face trying to wake her. He watched her squirm under his lips. "Morning!" Kim whispered. "What's the agenda for today? What time do we need to be there?" He wasn't sure what the exact plan was. "I never gave a time of when we will be there. Just that we are coming. So we can relax a bit before we have to leave. I would like to do breakfast before we leave. Does that work?" She asked not sure where his thoughts were. "That works for me. I won't turn down food. You know that." He held her tight as she woke up a bit more. "This is nice but I'm getting hungry. Let's shower and start heading out. We still need to get a car before we go too." She started to get up moving to the bathroom to shower quickly. Adam joined her not wanting to be too far from her. He watched as she washed her body but he could see some anxiety bubbling beneath the surface.

"What are you thinking about?" He asked pulling her closer to hold her. Hoping to ease her fears. "I'm worried that this is going to be a hard day. But I really need to see him. See that he's doing better physically at least. There is talk about moving him into a facility soon with how difficult he is being. And the care he needs is full time. He doesn't feel when he has to use the bathroom so he just goes. And the grandson doesn't change him or if he does he leaves the used diapers on the floor for the aide to clean up. It's pretty screwed up. But I know he doesn't want to leave his house but it's finically draining him. It needs to go. But I know that's not what he wants. So apparently he's been lashing out a lot about it so I'm not sure how this is going to go." Kim sighed heavily.

"Heys it's going to be okay. He will be happy to see you. You have no control over the rest of it. That's on his family. And as much as you feel like you are family, you aren't his legal family. So none of these decisions are on you. And I know that's tough on you. But you aren't making the decisions so he can't lash out on you for that. So it should be fine." Adam knew she needed to hear that. "I know all that. I really do but I just always want to support him even if it's not what he wants. I wanted him to go to a care facility right after the stroke but they took him 4 weeks after. It was too early but no one listened to me. I just wonder how much better he would be if he had. If they would have found the thyroid issue earlier if they had. You know he doesn't have a primary doctor. If he had they could have found that way sooner. It's just frustrating." Kim sighed again but knew it wasn't anything she could do.

"Nothing wrong with wanting the best for him, for anyone. But your heart is in the right place. And we will see how he is when we get there. All I know for sure is he will be happy to see you." He kissed softly before they finished showering. As they dried off he could still see the doubt in her mind but he knew she just needed to see her friend. Within the hour they were packed and in the rental car heading to breakfast. "So this place is cash only. They use as much local ingredients as possible. Tons of coffee options, tons of Bloody Mary options. Lots of yummy food." Kim drove towards the cafe she wanted to eat at. Adam was surprised she didn't use her GPS at all. She just drove to where they needed to go. He was surprised to see the tree lined streets and serval cafes mixed in with the houses.

Kim parked the car on a side street and they headed to the cafe hand in hand. He loved how relaxed she looked soaking in the sunshine. "Ready for some super yummy food?" She asked her eyes full of excitement. "Bring it on! I'm starving!" He laughed seeing her smile wide. "Oh by the way, huge portions of food!" Kim pointed to the pancakes she saw passing by. His eyes almost bugged out. "Let's just order and see how much we can eat." She laughed looking forward to a super unhealthy meal. "I love how excited you are for this. It's great seeing you free over food." He smiled loving how happy she looked. "Oh don't worry I plan on working out hard later tonight to burn off all the extra calories." She winked hoping he got the hint. "We could leave now?" He started fidgeting in his seat. "Nope we have to eat! We both know that. So relax!" She laughed seeing him looking like someone kicked his puppy.

Luckily the waitress came over to take their order which was a nice distraction in the moment. After they ordered they shared soft touches and small talk. It was lovely. When the food arrived he watched her eyes light up and dancing in her seat. "You want to try?" She asked holding up a bite of her salted caramel banana French toast. "Absolutely!" He took the bite moaning happily at the tastes in his mouth. "God that is so good! I'm glad we came here." He winked loving her smile. "I always come here when I'm in town. Just so many different things that are yummy. I never get bored with this menu. But couldn't eat here daily and keep my job." She shrugged while laughed taking a large bite of her food. When they finished eating, Adam paid the bill and the couple headed back to the car. Kim got behind the wheel and started to drive towards Jim's home.

"It's going to be a long ride. Just sit back and relax." Kim smiled as she drove. She saw Adam watching the scenery go by. Kim would point out things as she drove trying to give him information about the area. About an hour into the ride Kim pulled off at an exit smiling wide with a devilish glint in her eyes. He wondered where she was going but didn't comment. Just let her do her thing. As they got closer to her intended location Adam started to smile. "I love how your mind is working this morning!" He was excited to have Wawa again. She parked the car giddy to get a donut. They headed in giggling excited for snacks even though they had already eaten. "I have to pee part of why we are here but I know you could use another coffee and a donut." She winked and headed into the bathroom.

She returned to find him with two coffees and two donuts already paid for and ready to head out again. They got back in the car and headed north again. She turned the radio up and started to jam out as she drove. Again not using the phone for directions. "So where exactly are we going?" He asked after another hour. Kim laughed knowing he was bored out of his mind. "We are going to Jim's house. It's literally almost in Jersey. This area used to be very rural. Lots of couples only resorts. It was the Honeymoon capital on the US. After the housing market crashed the area declined big time. Lots of foreclosures, short sales, abandoned homes and hotels. It was crazy. But before the crash people from NYC came out here in droves to buy second homes, vacation homes, including Jim. Strangely Covid helped rebound the housing market here. People fleeing the city for supposedly safer areas. People finally got out from under their homes without a loss. Jim waited to long to try to sell and has out dated views on how to sell a house so it hasn't sold in over two years. It's also over priced. You will see why when we get there." Kim explained as they got off onto yet another highway.

"Do you need a stop?" She asked. "Please I need to move around some." He hated sitting this long. "No problem. Main Street is close by. We can get out and walk a bit. Then it's only 20 more minutes or so." Kim smiled pulling off and heading to the parking lot. As soon as she parked he jumped out stretching his body. "Feel better now?" She smiled watching him stretch. "Yeah thank you!" He walked closer as he saw her paying the meter. "It's all good. I know how you feel about sitting still for long. Let's walk." She held out her hand waiting for him to take it. He smiled grabbing her hand as they started to walk. They passed by lots of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, stores. It was a nice easy walk.

"Ready to go again? I promise we can stop for a swift kick before heading to the hotel." Kim asked slowing the walk. "What's a swift kick?" He looked at her confused. "Speciality of the area. Tang, red bull and vodka." She smirked. "Oh yeah we are stopping for that. Let's go we have stalled enough." He led her back towards the car knowing they were close, at least so she said. "We are taking the back roads. It's just easier from here. I hope you don't get car sick?" Kim looked over not knowing. "Nope! I assume it's going to be twisty roads?" He watched her smile. "Yes and hilly. But it a nice ride." Kim smiled and started to drive once more. He again watched the scenery. He loved seeing all the trees and mountains. It was peaceful and would probably look beautiful when full in bloom.

Again she pointed out things as she drove. "That dump hole over there is a bar Jim used to like. Not my favorite but I would go every Tuesday with him when I was in town." She drove further. "This is Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort. It was extremely popular in the 40's and 50's. Pretty outdated at this point. But they have a concert series on Tuesdays during the summer. It's free and over looks the river." Kim watched him looking around as they went. It was pretty a pretty ride for sure. "Some ski slopes. They used to do lots of festivals here in the summer and fall. Covid killed that." Kim shrugged as she turned onto yet another back road. When they finally arrived he watched as she used a key code to unlock the gates. She drove in her nerves came back full swing.

He watched the large houses pass by. He was surprised as they pulled up to the house Jim lived in. "You were right. This is insane." He stepped out of the car watching her stall a few extra seconds. She started to head down the back stairs towards a gate. "It's easier to access the lower level from here." They entered the patio area and continued to walk towards the door. She rang the doorbell and waited. The shades opened and the door slid open. "Hey! Come on it! Good to see you!" The aide Mariela opened the door. "Good to see you too! This is my fiancé Adam. Adam this is Mariela, Jim's aide." They shook hands as they walked further in. "How's he doing today?" Kim asked seeing Jim in his chair. "Um not great mentally. Memory is pretty short today. He's had breakfast three times already. I told him you were coming and he was happy." Mariela explained. Kim nodded and started to walk towards Jim who was watching Fox News. Both Kim and Adam shuddered seeing it on the tv.

"Hey sunshine!" Kim put in her best smile. "Hey! Where the hell you been!" Jim asked seeing her. "Jim I'm in Chicago normally remember. You are in Pennsylvania remember?" Kim tried to remind him. "What? You are crazy! This is Jersey! We are in Verona." Jim got agitated. "Really? Huh it looks like your PA house." Kim didn't fight him just tried to calm him some. "You know this is Jersey! I don't own a house in PA. You know that!" He snapped a bit. "I guess I forgot. So Jim this is Adam, my fiancé." Adam moved so he could shake Jim's hand. "Fuck you that's not Adam!" Jim looked like they were crazy. "Jim this is a different Adam. Not your friend from down the street. Adam works in Chicago as a cop." Kim tried again but it didn't really register.

"It's nice to meet you sir! I've heard a lot about you." Adam tried again. "Yeah. None if it's true." He scuffed. Kim laughed at him. "How are doing Jim? Are you feeling any better?" Kim asked looking towards him. "Yeah. I went to the shore this weekend." Jim answered her. "Really? That's cool! Who did you go with?" She asked texting Adam at the same time telling him that Jim hasn't had the beach house in over a decade. "The family was there. Jimmy, Rob and Alicia." Jim replied. "Awesome! Sounds fun. Did you go to the beach?" Kim knew he hated the sand. "Of course!" He scuffed. "Great! Did you take the jag down with the top down?" She asked trying to figure out where his mind was. "Of course! What else would I drive?" He looked over at her like she's crazy. "Did you want to go out to lunch today?" Kim asked trying to change the topic to something better. "Sure. Where are we going?" He asked her. "I thought we could go to Mullers? You like it there." Kim tried to gage his interest. "Sure it's okay." Jim just sat there still watching the tv.

"Are you ready to head out to lunch?" Kim asked trying to get him moving. "Oh we are leaving now?" He looked up. "Yeah it's lunch time. Let's get you moving." Kim moved to help him up. "Mariela you coming with us?" Kim asked. "Sure that would be nice." She started to grab her things and Jim's bag just in case. They started to get Jim moving in the right direction Adam stayed behind them unsure of what to do exactly. They followed him up the stairs and into the car. "Slow down Jim. You are walking too fast!" Kim called out but he didn't listen. She just walked faster to catch up. "Alright let me help you down the stairs okay?" Kim held out to hold him as he stepped down the stairs into the garage. "Hope you have the heat on it's cold out!" Jim stated as he walked outside. "No but I can. Just give me a minute to get it started." Adam looked over like she was nuts turning the heat on.

"It shouldn't be long before the heat gets turned on. Just relax and enjoy the ride." Kim got him settled in the car before putting his walker in the trunk. As she got in she saw he was already playing with the heat buttons. "The car isn't started yet. It won't work just yet." Kim shook her head. She started the car and started to drive towards the diner. It was a short ride luckily. Kim pulled up to the door and helped to get his walker out for Mariela and then parked the car. Adam stopped Kim from walking for a minute. "I don't know how you do this. This has been brutal to watch. But I'm happy to be here to support you." He kissed her softly before leading her inside. They found Jim and Mariela quickly in the back of the diner.

"So what are we ordering today?" Kim asked sitting down with him. "I don't know. What's good here?" He asked looking at Kim. "You like the grilled cheese with tomato here." Kim explained as she look over the menu. "Maybe a soup to go with your sandwich?" Kim asked gently. "Maybe." He shrugged. "What should I get Kim?" Adam asked unsure. "Sounds crazy but the turkey dinner is so good. The stuffing is the best, I love it." Kim smiled wide thinking about it. "Okay well then that's what I'm getting!" Adam looked excited. They ordered food but had to redirect Jim several times just to get him to order. They tried talking with him but he wasn't really paying attention. Or was lost in the past.

Lunch arrived soon after. Conversation flowed but Jim really wasn't present in the conversation. He was focused on his food and nothing else. He even picked at Kim's plate and Mariela's plate. Adam just watched troubled by what he was watching. "Are you going to want dessert too?" Kim asked knowing he loved sweets. "Of course! Was that even a question?" He looked at her like she was nuts. "I was just double checking! And I promise not to tell anyone it's not sugar free." Kim winked at him. They eventually got dessert after having to list the options 3 times. Jim couldn't remember what was on the list. But they just ordered him pudding and he was happy.

After he finished his dessert Kim took the bill and they all started to head out again. Kim paid even after Jim yelled at her for not letting him pay. Adam was shocked by how angry Jim got and by the fact that he told her to fuck off. It was hard to watch for sure. They headed back towards the car, Kim pulling it around once more. She didn't even need to help this time Adam took the walker placing it in the trunk for Kim. They drove him home while he was confused the whole way. Once it was safely back inside they got him back into his chair for him to rest a bit. Kim got his blanket turned on to keep him warm and got him a water. After he fell asleep the couple chose to leave. It was emotional and draining for sure. Kim got behind the wheel driving them back towards the bar Kim promised Adam a drink at.

Neither spoke as she drove both processing how hard this was to watch. He watched as she parked the car and jumped out. He led her into the bar finding a spot towards the end of the bar. "Alright let's grab two drinks and then head to the hotel for the night. We need you to relax some." He looked at her knowingly. "Yeah I agree." Kim looked over seeing the bar tender waving him over. "Hey Dante! Can I get two swift kicks?" Kim smiled. "Sure girl! Good to see you back." He left to get the drinks. "Got something to tell me?" Adam asked smirking at her. "Nothing to tell. The group of friends out here frequently come here." Kim shrugged laughing a bit. "Interesting." Adam just hugged her tight knowing it was nothing to worry about. With the shots finished the couple headed out again.

Kim drove them towards the airport. They had a hotel close by. It was a short ride thankfully. Kims mind was all over the place and Adam just wanted to hold her. Protecting her from the sadness of the day. After checking in to their room Kim dropped on the bed exhausted. Adam just watched her unsure how to proceed. He watched her face turn blank. "Do you want to talk about it?" He asked quietly. He sat next to her on the bed. "What's to say. You saw it for yourself. His mind is going and today wasn't a good day. But that is what I deal with most times I'm around him. Just some days are better than others." She sighed hard just crashing from the day.

"I had a hard time watching that. Especially when he yelled at you. I understand that he's not all there but I didn't appreciate that at all. Has he told you to fuck off before?" He asked unsure of just how often that happened. "Um pretty often when he was drunk. The doctors think he has a mini stroke last year over the summer." Kim stopped talking for a minute. "You are going to hate me after this story but at the time I thought it was the right thing to do." Kim closed her eyes fearing looking at him. "Whatever it is you can tell me." He was confused why he would hate her. "Um so that night we had been out at a concert series downtown. By the courthouse I pointed out. Anyway it was Jim, myself and another friend named Mindy. I made sure we had pizza to soak up the alcohol he was drinking. I wasn't drinking that night. I was in town because a friend was having surgery and he needed someone to drive him home afterwards. And look after him for a few days. Anyway Jim was wasted after two drinks and he wouldn't give me the keys. I fought with him, Mindy fought with him. He told us to fuck off. He almost fell off the curb. But I was holding on to him. We fought some more before Mindy let him drive off but her car in front of his, mine behind trying to prevent too much issue." Kim paused for a second.

"He was all over the road and missed his exit driving into Jersey. I called Mindy right away but followed him. I wanted someone to know where we were in case he caused an accident. He eventually took and exit and turned back towards home. Back in PA he missed his exit again this time he stopped in the middle of the road and started to back up. I tried to back up and get out of the way but he hit my car and then took off. I went after him but he had pulled over to look at the damage. When I pulled behind him he said oh it was just you. Like hitting me was okay. We fought again and he told me to fuck off again and took off. When I finally got to his house he acted like it was nothing. Telling me to relax and it was over. No big deal. It was insane for sure. He fixed my car out of pocket and I told him if it ever happened again I wouldn't be so forgiving. It hasn't happened since. I know that but still." Kim hadn't opened her eyes the whole time.

"Hey look at me. Kim? Please look at me." She turned slowly to look at him. "I'm not upset. You did what you had to do for a friend. I can appreciate that. You made sure he knew the consequences if he did it again. You are amazing." He leaned in to kiss her knowing she needed to feel some love. "The family did nothing to figure out how he got drunk off two drinks. But again he didn't have a doctor other than his cardiologist. It was just insane. But I was lucky the damage wasn't more. And I could still drive it. Things were tense for a while though. I was okay with that. I needed space from him for a bit after that." Kim was quiet once more. He moved them so they were more comfortable. He waited for her to drift off before he fully relaxed. He continued to let her sleep as the night continued knowing she needed it after today.

It was late when she finally awoke. She found Adam sound asleep. She curled back falling asleep again in his arms. She was safe here. The sadness couldn't get to her here in his arms. She never wanted to be anywhere else. He was her home, her heart, her soul. Her everything.