He is?
Sophie
Yeah, posts about teacher things. Pretty boring stuff but he’s not boring to look at.
Emma
Gross, Soph! You can’t be ogling our sister’s ex-boyfriend.
Sophie
Is that true, Sadie?
I sigh again. Sisters are exhausting.
Sadie
I’ve got things to do. And I don’t care, Sophie. It’s not like you won’t move on to the next man tomorrow. How’s Jeremy, by the way?
Jeremy was four boyfriends ago. Although I don’t think Sophie considers them boyfriends.
Sophie
Rude.
Emma
Love you, Sadie!
Sadie
Love you both.
I set my phone on my kitchen counter, screendown, and take a deep breath. My eyes dart around my house trying to find something to distract my mind, but the white walls feel sterile, and I haven’t bothered to decorate in the six years I’ve lived in this house.
I pick it back up to reply to the other messages.
Yes, I’ll set up a meal train right now.
Oh! That’s terrible. I’ll be praying for her. Yes, I’ll set up a prayer chain.
Dinner next Friday sounds great, Mom. I’ll bring dessert.
Yes, the gardening schedule is up on the Facebook page.I quickly pull it up to check.Your day is next Tuesday.
Yes, I’d be more than happy to foster a litter of puppies until you can find new homes for them. I’ll be right there.
All messages read and answered. No one left behind.
I glance at the clock, shove away the thought of a warm, relaxing shower, and grab my car keys.
It’s not just people who count on me. Puppies do, too.
Three hours later, surrounded by puppy whimpers, pee mats, and shredded newspaper, I finally openThe Notebook.I inhale the pages, close my eyes, and instantly see swans and feel raindrops on my skin, but then, instead of Noah’s laughter, I hear Milo’s—the kind of laugh that makes you grow still and aware, feeling like butterflies are landing on your arms, your shoulders, and your neck.
My eyes open wide, and I slam the book shut.
Why is he back?After all this time?
