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Annalise:

Of course.

Five minutes go by where I see speech bubbles appear and disappear three different times, but nothing comes through. Finally, I get a message, but there is no text, just a single video.

I click it, and it begins to play.

The footage is of Mackenzie. He appears to be sitting alone on a bed. The generic maroon patterned bedspread and coordinating yellow wallpaper make me think he is in some budget hotel. His guitar is in his lap, and the camera is sitting at an odd angle as if he has propped it up on a TV stand and hoped for the best. Then the first few notes trickle out of his guitar. His finger work is fast and yet the song feels slow and soft. It reminds me a little of the one from that night at the Gladstone.

When he starts to sing, my whole body goes still, which is odd because it’s not like I haven’t heard his voice before. But this feels different. It’s as if this song was meant for me. A private glimpse into something I’m not sure everyone gets to see.

And I’m standing here, just waiting for the rain

Hoping it won’t break, hoping it won’t break

But I’m drowning in silence, pretending it’s okay

I don’t want the storm, just the calm before it comes.

I feel a sense of loss when the song comes to an end.

I watch the video a second time and then a third. A fourth is under serious consideration but before I can press play a text comes through.

Mackenzie:

What did you think?

I think that I could listen to this song and only this song for the rest of my life and never get tired of it.

Annalise:

This is what you are meant to do.

He hearts my message, but no text comes through. I begin to think that’s the extent of his response, but then a message pops up on my screen.

Mackenzie:

I needed that tonight. Thanks.

I think I should text back more. Maybe something like I wish that he was here but that this video is proof that he’s clearly born to be up on a stage sharing his talent. But before I get that or anything else out, a second text comes through.

Mackenzie:

I know it’s late and you need to get up for work tomorrow, but I really wanted you to hear it first. Get some sleep. I’ll text you tomorrow.

Any courage I may have had a moment ago is gone.

Annalise:

Of course. Anytime. Good night Mackenzie.

Mackenzie:

Sleep tight Annalise.

19

Two weeks later, I get home from work to find a package outside my door on the landing. At first I think it’s another Harmony special, but then I see my name and address on the front and I realize it’s actual mail.