That Was That

Derek stayed in New York just like he planned. The same routine fell back into place only with an extra face. Derek watched his niece grow up over short skype calls, hugged her a few times a year when they visited. He watched his sister age what seemed like years over a week’s time. But in the end the golden haired baby smiled, Laura smiled and Derek… Well he was happy too.Thirteen years. He got thirteen years of his pseudo bliss; thirteen years of happy phone calls and a surface life of his own. He lived for the visits, smiled when the calls came. His own life was muted. He had something to focus on. He let himself hope. His family would be okay. He would be okay.