Looking after Mum: Epilogue

Epilogue
I look out of the window and peek through a gap in the closed lace curtains. Douglas and I are sitting on my dream-sill in peaceful silence. Fresh spices are wafting in the air, like in Amal’s shop, so I think of Susan, wearing her Pashmina shawl. Maybe she's found Richard somehow, somewhere. Or maybe she's like me, in a peaceful reverie, just wondering. Wondering and hoping...
I quickly brush my hand across my wet eyes, nervously glancing at Douglas. No, he hadn't seen the tears.
I turn my attention to the window, and gasp, as a car pulls smoothly into the driveway.
I do not know why but seeing this car quickens my heartbeat. Douglas opens his mouth to speak but I put my hand up to stop him. So he turns, and watches.
I can hear the sound of the wind chimes dancing in the breeze. Delicious shivers glide up and down my spine.
It could be him. It could be anyone.

I slide off the window sill, and, on a whim, pull back the curtains. Sunlight floods this place.

THE END