its only natural

Elliot was so afraid he'd meet Rosie first thing, but Derrick answered the door.

"Hey, you're looking really good." Derrick didn't sound fake about it, but the hug was uncomfortable for both of them. Awkward. Actually. Yes, it was all so awkward, but he did want to be here. Yet, it got him choked up as he looked around the place. The Christmas tree was gone. The tree had been quite a mess, anyhow. Mostly, decorations Rosie had made. His mother had made fun of the small artificial tree. He tried his best not to think of his mother and all she'd said about Asa and Amanda.

If it were true, well, it could be... he'd just have to not go off the deep end about it. Still, it hurt like a bleeding wound that throbbed with a new pain. But he'd deal with it. He just wanted to see them. Where were they?

Asa was in the kitchen. Slowly, Elliot worked with the cane. He felt like a very old man. Didn't matter how many times, they told him he looked the same..he didn't feel it. His bones ached as if he could forecast the weather now. And his heart was so tender. Layers and layers of life had been peeled away..even if he'd only been away a month or so.

He could hear Asa's voice, but Elliot felt as if he were crawling around the corner to see him, and then Rosie grabbed his leg. She was happy to see him. She managed to climb all the way up with a little help from Elliot and wrap her tiny arms around his neck. That smile, so enchanting as she slapped his cheeks. He didn't know why he was so afraid. But he thought he might melt with emotion as he struggled to keep up with her wrapped around him so.

"Did you miss me?" She asked. He said he did. Partly, he went along with it. Some of it was true. But she might have been choking him now.

"Hey, Rose, you're gonna kill him. He just got here." Derrick came to the rescue. He peeled her off  him. Elliot took a breath. Finally, Asa took a peak around the corner.

Was that him? His cousin? Elliot didn't recognize him. It felt as if someone else had moved in. Elliot just stared at him. He didn't know what to do.