supposed to be a robot, but looking back, I realize it was just an aluminum foil blob. He had made me a bracelet, constructed out of some of his mother’s multicolored craft string. It was a pathetic, thin, little, braided bracelet, but it’s still one of my favorite possessions.
I have a shoebox full of everything meaningful in my life in the top drawer of my dresser. I have spelling bee medals, photos, certificates, and the gifts from Amos—including that bracelet.
“Oh, Dove! Grab your fortune,” I tell Amos as I take a foil-covered chocolate and unwrap it. “Mine says, Love is the only true adventure,” I read from the inside of the wrapper. “Aw. Sweet. What’s yours?”
Amos unwraps his chocolate and reads it. “You are exactly where you need to be.”
“Perfect. I’m in love, and life with Leo is never boring; that’s for sure.” I chuckle. “And you are kicking ass at the college of your dreams and making your life goals come true. See, the Dove gods know.”
“They haven’t failed us yet,” Amos agrees.
“Speaking of love, do you love Quinn?” I pop another chocolate in my mouth.
“I’m not sure. How do you know? I mean, I definitely like her, and the sex is great.”
“Sex isn’t love.” I shake my head, a slight smirk on my face.
“I know that. That’s why I’m not sure. I enjoy being with her and look forward to seeing her when we’re apart, so maybe I do love her.”
“I think if you did, you’d know. It’s undeniable.”
“For you, it is. Maybe, for me, it’s different.”
“True,” I agree. “Well, are you ready for your presents?”
“Plural?” Amos quirks up a brow.
We’ve always agreed to just do one.
“It’s all connected.” I hand him the first box. “These were like my trial run. So, they don’t count as the gift.”
He pulls off the wrapping paper and opens the top of the box, revealing blue-and-yellow crocheted squares.
“They’re pot holders! In Michigan’s colors. I learned to crochet!” I grin wide.
“I love them.” He holds up one of the squares. “And when I am out of the dorms and have pots … I will definitely use them. Or … I could use them like coasters or something.”
“Okay, well, as I said … those were my practice. So, open the next one.”
He opens the next box and pulls out the scarf I made him.
“I looked up a pattern and everything. I tried to copy a scarf that’s for sale at the Gap, so you’d actually wear it, you know? If you don’t like it and don’t want to wear it, I’ll totally understand. But I had fun, making it.”
“You did a great job, Mutt. Truly, I love it, and I’ll absolutely wear it.”
“Aw, yay!” I bounce on the bed. “I’m so glad.”
“Your turn.” He hands me the gift bag.
I pull out a book—or more accurately, a journal, daily devotional, and planner, all in one. Amos drew out monthly calendars for the year to come along with places for my to-do lists, quotes, and thoughts. He doodled designs on each page. I’ve always thought he’s so talented with his art, but he rarely uses his drawing skills because art has never been valued in his home.
Tears fill my eyes as I turn the pages. Each page is better than the next. He hid little gems throughout—from memories to our favorite quotes to little drawings.
“This is incredible.” I’m in awe. “It’s almost too beautiful to use. This is so thoughtful, and your pictures … I just love them so much. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. You’ll use it, right? Don’t just put it in that shoebox of yours. It’s meant to be used.”
“I don’t want to ruin it.”
“Alma,” he drawls out my name.
“Fine, I’ll use it. Cross my heart.” I continue flipping the pages. “I’m going to mess it all up with my daily scribbles.”
“Good. That’s the idea.” He smiles warmly. “You want to stream a movie or something?”
“No.” I frown. “I’m sorry. I have to get back. Today wasn’t a good day.”
“What happened?”
“I’m not entirely sure. You know how Leo has some unspoken issues with his family. Well, we went there for dinner, and his sister-in-law was showing me around. The next thing I know, there was a glass smashed, and Leo and I were speeding out of the driveway. He won’t open up about anything pertaining to his family. I’m not sure how to help him, but he was pretty bummed when I left tonight.”
“I’m sorry. I understand,” Amos says.
He divides his Christmas candy into two