saving grace

Year 2040

Y/n (43), Cate (71), Dash (38), Roman (34), Iggy (30), Edith (22), Lennon (16)

There had been so much going on, your head was bound to explode. It felt like your world was a never-ending checklist of events.

Dash had his third child nearly a month ago, your fourth grandbaby in total. She was the most gorgeous little girl - Catherine Joy Upton. Dashiell somehow pulled off the surprise of choosing to name her after his mother. Cate burst into tears when it was revealed, Dash on the receiving end of a bone-crushing embrace.

Roman was set to release his second novel in two weeks, the science-fiction tale one of the most anticipated books of the summer. Cate and yourself were scheduled to go to multiple parties and signings, your love not wanting to miss a moment of his glory.

Iggy just got married in March to an outstanding young woman. Your youngest boy never prioritized relationships, choosing to dive into athletics as he grew. Ignatius went on to play college basketball, drafting 11th overall to the Sacramento Kings. His skills and knowledge of the game were something else. Two years ago, he made the decision to retire after a rather gruesome knee injury. Upon his departure, he moved back to Los Angeles, reconnecting with his high school sweetheart.

Edith is graduating college with an Architectural degree in a few days, working towards accreditation in the field. You couldn't believe the sight before you most days, thinking back on the fact that you met her at only four years old. Edith loved her mother endlessly, but the two of you shared a special connection. As she grew, Edith didn't develop much of a relationship with her father, the second parent role being one you dove into rather easily. She wasn't related by blood, but she was yours through and through, and you couldn't be prouder of the young woman she had become.

On top of everything else, you just celebrated the love of your life's 71st birthday this past weekend. The retro-themed party was everything and more. She was under the pretense that it was just going to be the immediate family, relaxing with a nice dinner, but when she showed up to the private rooftop, all of her biggest supporters were there cheering. Cate didn't have a huge desire to be the center of attention, honestly, she just became it by default. Her art happened to be something that turned heads, so when heads were turning just for her, and not something that she had done, it was special. Getting to be right next to her as she laughed, drank, and danced the night away, was a true highlight.

Lennon didn't have a lot going on, or at least you thought. She was seemingly going with the flow of everything. She had been on the quiet side for the past couple months, but as her parents, the two of you took it as being worn out with school and all of the non-stop chaos.  You noticed she was eating a little less at dinner as well, claiming she wasn't very hungry. You brought it up to Cate but decided against addressing it with Lennon unless it became a real issue.

After dinner tonight, instead of spending time with Cate and yourself downstairs, Lennon went to her room fairly quickly, something that had been more of an occurrence as well. Usually, she would settle down into Cate's side or your own as you all watched the latest episode of your favorite series, or she would suggest going on a walk with the dogs, but neither had transpired lately.

"I think we need to have a conversation with Lennon," you voiced aloud, looking down at Cate as her head laid in your lap. "She just hasn't been herself at all."

"Baby, there's been so much going on recently, she's probably just rundown," she replied gently after a moment, grabbing onto your hand that was settled on her chest.

"I don't know, Cate. She has never just picked at food or isolated herself to her room for nights on end. She's the one we had to force to slow down when eating so she didn't choke. Also, when has she ever not jumped on the opportunity to have cuddles with us?"