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Arriving home, he mulled over what to do with the dog. He certainly wasn’t going to surrender him to the shelter. So, he pulled out his phone and made a post about the dog on the Hadley Cove Facebook page. He’d care for him until the owner was found. After all, the four-legged company was a refreshing change, Luke thought.
Refocusing on the task at hand, he delved back into unpacking. As he sifted through the boxes, one in particular caught his attention, causing him to pause in reverence. Inside was an old photo album, capturing moments with Kate from their high school days.
As he opened it, a wave of joy and melancholy swept over him. It was a treasure trove of memories, a window into a time long gone, but still so vivid in his mind. His fingers traced the edges of the pages, and he could almost hear Kate’s laughter echoing in his ears.
With a smile, Luke stared at the photo from their first date at the bowling alley, where he had let Kate win. He still remembered the mischievous glint in her eyes when they reviewed the final score, and how she had doubled over when he spilled ketchup-soaked fries on his jeans. Over twenty years had passed since those days.
Then, as he turned the page, a well-worn piece of paper slipped out. It was a letter Kate had written. Her last words to him. Though he had read it a thousand times, each felt like the first.
My Dearest Luke,
I know that by the time you read this, I’ll no longer be with you.
I want you to know that I’m at peace, and I have no regrets. I have lived a life full of love, and that’s because of you. You’ve brought so much light into my life, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.
As for Jeremiah, I left you a few letters to give to him at a later time: one for after I pass, one after his graduation, and one on his wedding day. Encourage our son to pursue his dreams, whatever they may be. He’ll do great things. I just know it.
And lastly, I want you to find love again. You deserve it, and I want nothing more than for you to be happy. Whoever she is, tell her that I’m thankful for her.
I know losing me will be hard, but please don’t let it consume you.
Remember, my love will always be with you. Keep it close to your heart and know that I’ll be watching over you and our son.
Until I see you again,
Kate
The world blurred as Luke held the paper delicately between his fingers, fearful that his touch might smudge the ink. The room seemed to recede, leaving just him and the letter. With each line, he felt Kate’s presence—she was everywhere, yet nowhere.
A bittersweet longing swelled in him, tightening his chest. She always knew what to say, even now.
Brushing away the tears, he closed the album and set it on the shelf. Luke then redirected his focus to unpacking, methodically sorting through the remaining clutter. Once he reached a natural stopping point, he paused, taking a final, contemplative look around the living room before heading to his office for a handful of Zoom meetings with clients.
While booting up the computer, a soft patter of paws on the hardwood floor echoed through the room. The dog sauntered in, letting out a high-pitched bark that drew Luke’s attention.
“Want to go out? Come on, boy. Let’s go.”
The fenced-in backyard was a perfect space for the dog to roam free and play. Luke watched for a few moments as he ran off to sniff at a bush. The dog seemed at home, so he left the door cracked and headed back inside.
As Luke settled in for his meetings, his focus was divided. Thoughts of the lost dog weighed on his mind. He kept refreshing the community Facebook page, hoping for a response from the dog’s owner. But so far, no news.
During a break, he stepped outside and found the dog lying in the sun, chewing on a stick. His tail wagged as Luke approached.
“Bet you’re missing home.” Luke squatted down, ruffling the dog’s ears. “We’ll find your family soon, but until then, consider this place yours.”
The serene moment, however, was cut short when Luke’s phone buzzed. The caller ID flashed: Hadley Cove Police Department. Panic spiked through him as he answered.
“Hello?”
A gruff voice spoke from the other end. “Mr. Grayson?”
“Yes, this is him.”
“This is Sheriff Daniels. Are you the father of Jeremiah Grayson?”
A knot formed in Luke’s stomach. “I am. Has something happened?”
“Yes. I’m afraid your son has been involved in an assault, with him being the aggressor. The other boy who was involved is at the doctor right now, getting stitches.”
