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Renee had come, only this time she wasn’t alone.
It took Natalie only a moment to recognize the others. Aaron, and with him was baby Grace, only she wasn’t a baby anymore, she was a young girl, probably about six, who looked so much like her father.
Renee held her finger up to her lips. Use your telepathy. Don’t wake up Grant.
Natalie felt as though she was moving in slow motion, like she was living in a dream. Here was her first family, her husband and her daughter. She directed her thoughts to Renee. I don’t understand.
It’s different here. That’s all. But you’ve been allowed this moment with those you lost. The Higher-Ups believe in you. I do, too.
She knew in her heart she was living a fantasy-come-true. Who didn’t want one last chance to say goodbye? She also felt certain that until her time came, and she passed from the earth, she would never have this opportunity again.
As she drew close, she formed the words she wanted to say to Aaron. I’ve thought of you everyday since you died. You’ll always be in my heart.
As you are in ours. He had his arm around Grace’s shoulders.
Natalie lowered herself to meet her daughter’s gaze. How wonderful it is to see you, my darling.
The mist leapt at her and as much as it was possible, she felt Grace surround her with a hug. She visualized her own hug in return, since it was a bit difficult to take hold of a ghost. Yet just for a moment, the embrace became real, then vanished.
Grace drew back then reformed next to her father. She was smiling and the expression in her eyes looked wise beyond her years.
She shifted her gaze back to Aaron. Kryder was the one who put the alter serum in the pie. But he’s no more.
Aaron nodded. His mist trembled with the movement then took shape again. I know. He’s undergoing a great deal of tribulation right now. His atonement will be long and complex.
Good. The least he deserves. But what I care about the most is now he can’t hurt anyone ever again.
We’re rejoicing, he said. His gaze shifted to the running track then the short tunnel from which she’d come. He smiled. I approve, by the way.
She didn’t pretend to misunderstand. He’s a good man.
Yes, he is. And he makes you happy?
Beyond anything I ever expected to know again.
That gives me some peace. You’ve been alone a long time.
Renee said, Time to go.
So soon?
I’m ‘fraid so. I wish you well, Natalie. She then smiled. You did good. Take care of Grant.
I will. For just a moment, Renee looked as though she would weep. But then she smiled and nodded.
Good-bye Mama.
Natalie memorized her precious face. Bye, Sweetheart. I love you. I will always love you.
Grace smiled.
After a long moment, she shifted her gaze to Aaron.
Goodbye, Natalie. I wish you every joy.
Natalie’s heart suddenly ached. She stretched out a hand to her former family, but already the spirits were fading, all three of them.
She spoke aloud. “Goodbye.” Her voice caught on a sob.
