means so much to me. After I lost Scarlett, my will to live died with her. It took me years to get to a place where I could accept that she was gone. I still don’t fully believe it. I still expect her to come bouncing down the hallway, a dimpled smile pressed to her rosy cheeks. We used to come here over the summer as a family when she was younger. She loved it here.”
I want to ask if she had any siblings. And if her father is still alive. But I don’t. This is June’s story to tell, and I will listen because sometimes, all we want is for someone to listen.
“My family is very wealthy, but I never wanted a dime of their riches. I married young, hoping to escape my mother’s clutches.” No wonder she was so nice from the beginning. “But I’ve made some mistakes over the years, ones I’m not proud of. I’m trying hard to make amends and earn back people’s love and trust.”
“We all make mistakes. We’re human,” I kindly offer, hating her admonishing view toward herself.
“This home has been in my family for decades, and although it cost me everything I had to purchase the deed from my brother, I did, because there is no price on happiness, especially for people who don’t see it too often.”
“You’re a good person.”
My words seem to touch her because she pulls backward, moved. “Thank you.”
Underneath her resolute exterior lies a grieving woman. It may get easier, but she’ll never forget. Maybe that’s the key to coping. Never forget, but rather accept. Accept that some days may be harder than others, but cherish the memories, instead of the tears. Accept that what will be, will be.
“Sadie asked me to give you this.”
Before I can question what, June presents me with a bright pink envelope. I stare at the stationery like it is the most priceless gem in the entire world. And in a way, it is. With quivering fingers, I reach for it.
“She was very specific about what she wanted. She may have been young, but she was far from naïve. She didn’t want a memorial in her honor. All she wanted was for me to give you that.” My grip tightens around the bright pink envelope, its importance even more significant now.
This reveals that Sadie knew her end was near. “Thank you for minding it for her.”
“It really was an honor.”
I turn the envelope, fingering each corner as if the action will reveal what’s hidden inside. I’m not ready to open it just yet. I don’t know when I will be.
Glancing up, I observe her weighing up what to say. “Dr. Archibald seems to have taken you under his wing.”
I try not to panic. She’s only making conversation.
“I’m glad you and Roman have connected. He’s usually very shut off, so to see him let his guard down is a nice change.” I don’t know what to say, afraid of saying the wrong thing. “It appears you’re both helping one another.”
“I don’t know how much help I am to him. I’m probably more of a hindrance.”
June smiles, and the sight is truly magical. “I’m sure he couldn’t disagree more.”
I hope she doesn’t want to discuss Roman in any more detail because I will eventually fold. “Remember, my door is always open.”
I almost breathe a sigh of relief. “Thank you. I really appreciate it.”
I tuck the envelope into my pocket, not wanting to read it just now. I’d like to be alone because I’m certain ugly tears will be shed. But when my phone chimes, I know my tears can wait.
Sunflower.
I know what it represents, a symbolic message spoken in a language only we understand. I quicken my footsteps and charge out the back door. The moon is buried behind a cluster of clouds, setting an ominous backdrop for this evening’s activity. Hurrying down the hill, I breathe a sigh of relief when I see the infamous pines.
The night isn’t cold by any means, but I suddenly get a chill. The closer I get, the more subdued things become. I know what I’m walking into; the weight in my back pocket a reminder of what’s to come. But I’m not afraid, and the reason is standing a few feet away.
Roman’s downturned face and slumped shoulders indicate how he’s feeling. It’s an anthem we all march to. He doesn’t turn even though I’m certain he can hear me.
The rose garden is beyond words. The sights and smells