Arrive at Alex's

Arriving at Alex’s door, Ethan takes a deep breath.

What if she wasn't home? What if she won’t tell him? What if she kisses him again?

The last thought does the opposite of disway him, causing him to ring the doorbell. After a moment, steps can be heard on the other side of the door, then the door opens.

It’s not Alex. Instead another familiar face: her mother. She’s older than Ethan remembered, but it’s definitely her. Short like Alex, the small woman’s hair is a mix of black and gray, her eyes a similar shade of blue to her daughters. Although not quite a match.

“Hello?” she asks, tilting her head.

“Hi… Mrs…” Ethan catches himself. ‘Fuck what’s their last name again?’ he thinks. “Evers!” He remembers in the nick of time. “Is Alex home?” He didn't prepare for this.

The small woman looks at him, her brow raising. “And whom may I ask is asking?”

“Oh, uh, Ethan. I Eth-”

“Ethan?!” Mrs. Evers’ eyes go wide, her expression a mix of shock and realization. “Oh, Ethan! Look at you! I didn't even recognize you. You’re all grown up.”

Smiling politely, Ethan shrugs his shoulders. “Yeah, it’s been a while. I just got into town a couple…”

Another expression shift, the older woman’s jaw slacking, hand covering her mouth. “Oh! Oh my. Your grandmother… Ethan, I am so sorry for your loss. It must be such a devastating blow…”

“It is, thank you…” Ethan felt his mood drop slightly. He didn't want to think about his grandma right now. Sympathies are nice, but all they do is keep the hurt alive. “So, uh,” he tries to segway, “is she around?”

The graying woman lowers her hand, her expression curious. After a moment, a light goes on behind her eyes, recognition triggering. “Ah, Alex, yes. I didn't think you were acquainted... But, oh, no.” She shakes her head, her smile breaking. “She went into town to get some Gravol for me. My husband and I are going up north this evening, and I needed it for the car ride.”

“Ah”, Ethan looks up the road the way he came, he definitely would have missed her coming that way, but if he walked the other direction…

“If you want to wait you could come in, I can't imagine she'll be…” Mrs. Evers chimes, holding the door open a little wider.

“No, I’ll just…” he points down the road she should be coming down with his thumb. “See if I run into her.”

Mrs. Evers' jaw slacks for a moment, then snaps shut. “Ah... Okay…” she looks up the road, frowning slightly. “Well. Hopefully you run into her... Oh and Ethan?” She calls out as he turns to leave, stopping him in his tracks. “It’s good to see you.”

“Likewise.”

Ethan turns and leaves the porch, then starts up the road.