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“Totally!” Elle grinned and lifted the lid. Inside was a gold charm with a California poppy to match the chrysanthemum she wore. She smiled when she saw it, though I sensed an undercurrent of sadness too. “Oh my goodness. This is beautiful. Thank you.” She removed it from the box and held it up, admiring the delicate design. “Did you help pick it out?” she asked the kids.
They both nodded eagerly, and I tried not to laugh because Maddox had known nothing about it. At least nothing of the contents.
“The California poppy is a symbol of imagination,” Savannah said, as if reciting a school report. “And we hoped it would remind you of us.”
“That’s so sweet.” Elle opened her arms for a hug. “Thank you.”
They immediately went to Elle, never shying away from her affection. It filled me with gratitude and relief, but also…worry. I had no idea how they—or any of us—were going to survive without her. Elle was the first person they’d truly let in since losing their mom. I didn’t know how they’d react when she left, but I knew it would be difficult for all of us.
Elle spoke to the children in a low voice while holding them close. She was so nurturing and loving with the kids. They adored her. They needed her.Ineeded her. I rubbed at the ache in my chest.
“Do youhaveto move to Japan?” Savannah asked, voicing my thoughts aloud.
Elle’s smile was forced. “I do, but it’s only for a year.”
“A wholeyear?” Maddox whined. “That feels likeforever. Will you come visit?”
Her expression fell. “I don’t know. But we can FaceTime whenever you want.”
“Can we visit you?” Savannah asked, then glanced back at me. “Can we, Dad?”
I shoved my hands into my pockets. “I, um—” All three of them looked to me for an answer. I cleared my throat.
Elle and I hadn’t discussed the future, but I knew it would be best for everyone not to make promises I may not be able to keep. Even just thinking about the logistics—it was too complicated to contemplate something like that in the future.
So I finally said, “I’m sure Ellie will be busy with her students and exploring Japan. Maybe we can talk about it more after she settles in.”
“Your dad’s right,” Elle agreed. If she was disappointed, she didn’t let it show. “Moving there will be a big adjustment. But I can’t wait to tell you all about it, and I would love for you to visit. If it works out.”
“Will you bring us something back?” Maddox asked.
“Maddox,” I chided, as Elle said, “Of course,” and ruffled his hair.
Though I wondered when—or even if—she’d be coming back. She always talked about leaving the AV. I knew she’d never end up here permanently, at least not by choice.
She gave each of them one last hug then stood. “Thank you for the sweet surprises.”
Savannah bounced on her toes. “You’re welcome, Ellie.”
“Welcome,” Maddox muttered, though he was staring at the floor. I knew he was sad that Elle would be leaving; we all were.
A glance at the clock told me it was getting late, so I said, “We should get ready to leave for River’s birthday party.”
“Woo-hoo!” The kids ran off to grab River’s present and finish getting ready.
“One more surprise,” I said, handing Elle another small box.
Her eyes lit up, and she eagerly tore into it. Inside was one of the charms from Tessa’s bracelet, and I knew from Ellie’s tearful expression that she remembered it.
“Are you sure…?” She glanced up from the charm.
“Yes. And Tessa would’ve wanted you to have it too.”
She nodded then slid the disk with the kids’ and my initials onto the chain before holding it up to her neck. “Thank you.”
“Let me help,” I said when Elle fumbled with her necklace, trying to put it back on now that she’d added the new charms.
She handed me the necklace and pulled her hair aside. I dragged the charms up her chest, grazing her shoulder with my hands. She shivered, and I closed the clasp then leaned in to whisper, “Do you want to know why I suggested the California poppy?”
