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After a long daytouring the eastern-most points of the basin, the group of five housemates enjoyed the breeze and waning sunlight from the deck. At around eight o'clock, Elizabeth's cell phone rang. She was happy to see it was Georgie; she’d received a text from her earlier in the day, saying she got the teaching job in Falmouth. She rose from her chair and walked into the backyard, turning her back to the deck in order to keep their conversation private.
“Hi, Georgie. How are you?”
“I'm well. How are you?”
“I'm great. Congratulations on the job! I'm so happy for you.”
“Thanks. I can't believe I'll be back in the classroom in a couple of months! I'm already looking forward to it.”
“And now you can sit back and enjoy the rest of your summer.”
“I know, it's a huge relief. How are things there?”
“It’s ridiculously hot and humid, but it’s amazing. We spent the day sightseeing, and tomorrow we’ll be taken to our work sites. I can't wait to do some more exploring.”
“How have you been feeling? The concussion and all—are you better?”
“I’m getting there. I still have the occasional headache. I’m supposed to be resting as much as possible. I'll probably go to bed early tonight. How was your weekend with Matt?”
“Oh, it was fantastic. We spent a lot of time at the beach, went out to dinner, and I took him to Heritage Park.”
“So…he stayed overnight?” The more they talked, the easier the conversation became, and Elizabeth began to relax.
“Yes, but he stayed in the guest room. We had such a great time, though. He's so sweet. And he lookedamazingin his board shorts.”
Elizabeth grinned. “I'm glad you had fun. When are you going to see him again?”
“He's coming this weekend.”
Elizabeth felt a twinge of sadness. The sheer anticipation of seeing Will was almost always as good as the moment she finally saw him. That buildup, the excitement of knowing they would be together again soon, was a heady feeling.
“I'm so happy for you,” she said softly. “Have you–have you talked to Will lately? Is he okay?”
“Um…I've only talked to him a few times since last Thursday. He's in California right now. He says he's okay, but I don't believe him.” She sighed. “I wish I had something to tell you. I wish he would talk to me. He's obviously miserable. You don't…you have no idea?”
“No. One minute he was with me in the hospital, the next he was gone. And then he said he couldn't talk to me, notnow. But if not now, when? Am I supposed to just wait?”
“I don't know. He loves you, Iknowhe does. I wish I had some answers for you. I'm so sorry.”
“You have nothing to apologize for.”
“But I do. I should have called you sooner. I don't know why I waited. I guess I was confused, but…it's no excuse. I think part of the reason I didn't want to call is because I feel helpless. I’m really sorry, Lizzy.”
“It’s not for you to worry about. If this is something that can be worked out, we'll work it out. I love him so much, and Iwantit to work. But every day that passes without a word from him makes it that much harder. We can't work on whatever the problem is if he won't even talk to me.”
“I know. I hope he realizes he’s being a stubborn fool.”
Elizabeth smiled sadly. “I hope so too.”
That night, while lying in bed, Elizabeth thought about what she’d said to Georgiana.
Every day that passes without a word from him makes it that much harder.
It was true. Over the past two months, Will had patiently and persistently dismantled the wall around her heart. But as the days passed, it slowly began to build itself again, brick by brick.
