That new challenge is skiing. I grab some rented ski equipment and make my way to the top of the bunny slope. It’s an easy, smooth transition down. I might be ready to try the bigger slopes after a few more successful attempts.
Me-Me agrees to try it with me, but I can see the trepidation on her face. I’m already at the bottom of the slope when she begins her descent. I can see from her stiff stance that this will be bad. She’s not even halfway down before she begins to lose control. She slips and stumbles for the next few feet. Finally, in the end, she falls on her back and slides the rest of the way down.
She gets up quickly as I hurry over to check on her.
Kai: Me-Me – baby, are you okay?
Melisa: No
I pull her into my arms, panicked.
Kai: Where are you hurt?
Melisa: *in my arms* I’m not hurt, but I hate this, and I want to go back to the rental.
Kai: Let’s go back
We make our way back to the rental. The fireplace warms the living room, making it a nice cozy place to be after being out in the snow so long. We remove all of our snow gear and sit down on the couch.
Kai: Are you sure you’re not hurt?
Melisa: Yeah, I’m okay.
I maneuver my way closer and begin to massage her shoulders anyway. I felt like this whole day was about what I wanted to do, so this is my way of making it up to her. We’ll do what she wants to do for the rest of the trip.
Kai: The place is quiet. Do you think we’re alone?
Melisa: I don’t know.
It doesn’t matter. I place my arm around Me-Me’s back and hold her tight.
Melisa: I hate being so clumsy. I suck at anything physical.
I think about our incredible night spent in Henford.
Kai: Well, not everything physical. I can think of one or two situations where that’s not true.
Melisa: Like what?
She sees my expression and immediately becomes suspicious.
Melisa: You’d better not be talking about what I think you are.
Kai: Why not? It’s not a bad thing.
Melisa: *lowers voice* Shhh, my parents might be here.
Kai: I’m just saying.
Melisa: We need to get ready to meet everyone for dinner.
She’s right; it’s almost eight. And it turns out that we weren’t alone. Moments later, Lia and Me-Me’s parents appear from different parts of the house. We all end up meeting Jalin, who’s the only one not there, moments later at the restaurant.
Luckily this part of Komorebi isn’t as chilly, because we are seated outside at two separate tables. We all place our orders and receive our food before we can even begin to wonder when it will arrive.
Merlin: *at the 2nd table* Where have you been all day, son? We’ve barely seen you since we’ve been here.
Jalin: *vague* Just here and there
Merlin: Well, we’re glad you’ve rejoined the family.
Kai: *at the first table* Have you been on the slopes yet?
Jamelia: A little, but I’m more of a soak in the baths and get a massage type of person.
I’m guessing that physical activities aren’t high on Lia’s list either.
Back at the rental, everyone goes inside and disappears once again into other parts of the house. Me-Me and I hang around for a quick moment of alone time. Then we take full advantage of it.
Melisa: Thank you for being so patient with me today.
Kai: Patient? Whatever I’ve done is not even close to all the times you’ve been patient with me.
Melisa: *smiles* Good night! See you in the morning.
Me-Me heads upstairs, and I stand there for a moment looking forward to the days when I get to wake up each day with her there next to me.
(Generation 3 Chapter Summaries)
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