“I think she just planned my next step.”
***
My sister and I brought the boxes home that evening.
We didn’t rush through them this time.
I read a few letters and cried through most of them. But I laughed at one.
Judy stayed until late, then hugged me tight before leaving.
“Call me.”
“I will,” I answered.
And at that time, I meant it.
We didn’t rush through them this time.
***
The following morning, I woke up early.
For a second, I didn’t know why, because I still had two weeks’ leave from work. Then I saw one of Lily’s letters on my nightstand.
“Open when you can’t get out of bed.”
I picked it up and read her lovely morning message, wishing me a productive and happy day.
Then I set it back down.
“I’m getting up,” I whispered.
And I did.
I picked it up and read her lovely morning message.
***
Lily’s former school looked the same.
I walked in, heart pounding.
Karen at the front desk looked up.
“Mrs. Carter…”
“I’m here to see the librarian,” I said.
“Of course, just sign in, and you may proceed.”
***
