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CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
THERE’S NOTHING EASIER THAN NOT EXISTING.
Scottie
Koen whistlesa tune while we remove the ornaments from the tree.
Penelope sleeps on the sofa while Scrot stands guard.
My phone vibrates.
I pick it up from the floor by the plastic tub we bought to store the decorations.
Crash!
The glass ornament falls from my hand as I stare at the screen.
“Scottie?” Koen says my name, but it’s nothing but an echo.
Clank!
My phone hits the wood.
My knees give out as my gaze meets Koen’s, and I fold to the floor.
Hand over my mouth.
Lump in my throat.
Tears burning my eyes.
I can’t breathe …
Koen pulls me away from the glass and picks up my phone, staring at the message on my screen.
Price: Goodbye <3
EPILOGUE
Eighteen Months Later …
Amelia
“Do you miss him?”Astrid asks from our lounge chairs on the balcony while we drink our fresh-pressed juice. The first time I saw our eye-popping view of lush rainforests, majestic mountains, and epic waterfalls, I knew we would never leave, no matter Price’s fate.
“Of course, honey. But life goes on. We’ll keep his memories alive.”
It’s been a life-changing eighteen months atop this high knoll in the middle of a 1,000-acre nature reserve in Costa Rica’s Osa region. We have a breathtaking view of three valleys and Mount Chirripó. And because of its high elevation, there are no mosquitos. Nearly everything we eat is picked on the same day.
No TV.
No internet.
We had a private chef when we first arrived since I wasn’t prepared to care for PriceandAstrid physically and emotionallyduring the transition. Those were the worst days of my life as a wife and a mother. I’d never felt so helpless. And I still wonder if seeing Price’s suffering has left a permanent mark on our daughter.
I hope not.
Astrid has friends in town whom she sees weekly. She’s been unschooled, reading a book a day, learning about life by living it, and I believe she’s thriving. It’s what Price imagined for her.
