December 1999
”Cara. I have present for you from Uncle Kevin.”
“Cool! What is it?”
“Come and see it yourself. It’s in the living room.”
Cara walked to living room where her parents were standing smiling next to piano. Cara’s eyes got big when she saw piano.
“Oh my God! He remembered.”
“Of course he remembered. Give it try.”
Cara walks to sit on the stool facing the piano and puts her fingers to keys. She started to play the piano and smile came to her eyes. She didn’t want to stop playing, but her father touched her shoulder.
“That’s beautiful, sweetheart. Breakfast is ready. We shall eat and then call to Uncle Kevin for saying thank you.”
- - - - - - - - - -
“Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
“Hello my sweet niece. I hear you like the gift I send you.”
“Oh I love it. How did you know?!”
“Little bird told me that my favorite niece loves the music.”
“I really love it, Uncle Kevin.”
“I’m glad you do. Merry Christmas, Cara.”
“Merry Christmas, Uncle Kevin”
- - - - - - - - - -
January 2000
“Hey Jerard. Glad you could make it. Kevin said you’ll be coming.”
“Of course. Happy birthday, Nick.”
“Thanks. Who is this?”
“She’s my daughter Cara. She wanted to come.”
“Hey, Cara. You had got big.”
“I’m here to see Uncle Kevin. Seen him?”
“Yeah. With his fiancé Kristen at the balcony.”
“Thank you. Happy birthday.”
“Thanks, Cara”
Cara walks to balcony and sees Kevin kissing Kristen. She was so happy for his uncle to find a woman like Kristen. They had their ups and downs years ago. She chuckles loud enough to make them to stop kissing.
“Don’t stop on my count.”
“Cara”
“Hey uncle.”
They hugged and Kevin introduced Cara to Kristen. They talked long hours. Cara said how excited she was about the piano Kevin gave her for Christmas gift. She’s been playing it every day 4 hours.
“It’s really great to see you, Cara. I really missed you.”
“I did too, Uncle”
“So how old are you again?”
“You are silly. I’m 13, but I’ll be 14 soon.”
“You grow up too fast.”
“And you are getting old.”
“Hold up. I’m only 28. That is not old.”
Cara and Kevin laughed and talked little more until she had to go back home with his father. They were about to leave until Brian, Jerard’s cousin, stopped them at the door.
“Wow hey… Where’s the fire?”
“Hey cousin. It’s very late and I promise to get Hope today.”
“Well just wonder if you are free on September.”
“What’s happen in September?”
“Leigh and I are getting married. Not sure about the day yet, but it’s going to be in September.”
“That’s so great. We surely will be there. Congratulations cousin.”
“Thank you. Hey Cara. Had fun?”
“Yeah. Spent most my time with Kevin.”
“He surely loves you, kiddo. Why won’t you go say goodbye to Nick.”
“Do have to?”
“Go on, Cara. I need to talk to Brian for minute.”
“Fine. Whatever.”
- - - - - - - - - -
“Hey Nick. Just came to say goodbye.”
“Oh. Leaving already?”
“Yeah. I would like to stay longer, but dad…”
“I totally understand. Had fun though?”
“Yeah. Danced long until my feet get hurt”
“Have to admit that you got moves.”
“Thank you. Well I should go. Happy birthday once again.”
“Thank you. Come here.”
Nick puts Cara to a hug and chuckles.
“I can’t breathe, Nick.”
“Of course you can. I didn’t hug that strong.”
“Haa haa. Funny. I gotta go. Bye.”
“Bye, Cara. See you soon.”
- - - - - - - - - -
Cara was excited to get back home even she already missed her uncle Kevin. It was already getting dark when they were on the road. Jerard decided to put radio on and some country song started to play on. They sang together and laughed loud as they could. Suddenly Cara looks to road and sees truck coming right at their car and she screams.
“Daddy look out!”
“Shit!”
- - - - - - - - - -
February 2000
“Cara. You have visitor.”
“I don’t want to talk to no one, mom.”
“Not even to your dear Uncle Kevin?”
“Kevin? Really?”
“Yes. He’s right here.”
“Hello Cara.”
“Kevin. How are you?”
“I’m good. It’s good to see you.”
“I can’t say the same, uncle. I can’t see anymore. I’m blind.”