We’re good. We’re in Rios, a small town in Iowa. Ben will never forgive me if I make him leave before he gets to climb on a fire truck. A firefighter offered.
Sam
Firefighter, huh?
Me
I can see your dirty smile from here. Stop. We just got talking in a diner.
Sam
Like in one of those Hallmark movies…
Me
There is NO romance happening, Sam.
But that isn’t true, and I’m relieved this conversation is happening by text rather than face-to-face or on FaceTime. There’d be no hiding my red cheeks, and he’d know for sure that something was up.
Sam
You’re allowed to have fun, you know?
Me
It’s been six weeks. My focus is on Ben, not on my love life.
Everyone keeps telling me to listen to my feelings, that it’s okay to start living again and move on. But that doesn’t chase away the guilt of loving so deeply that a part of me keeps whispering that maybe I didn’t love Simon as much as I did if I’m already thinking about moving on six weeks after he died. As if I’m betraying him.
Feeling guilty and scared that Sam might want to know more about what I’m doing in Rios, I glance at Ben, who’s still sleeping, and text back.
Me
Have to go. Ben woke up.
Sam
Give him a kiss from Uncle Sam.
Me
Will do.
Sam
Love you, sis.
Tears prick my eyes.
He’s made it a point to call me sis more. As if he wants me to know that Simon might be gone, but the sister he gained is still family, and he isn’t going anywhere.
Me
Love you too. And seriously, move out of your parents’ basement. Start your own business.
Sam
One day.
