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He still stood. “Music is art,” he said, his tone defiant.
“You’re right. But here in this museum, the collection is about things you can see and touch. The other senses—taste and smell and hearing—are equally important, but not so easily assembled and displayed.”
The teenage girl beside the boy waved a hand. When Cate called on her, the young woman blushed. “Our phones are like little museums for photography and music, don’t you think? And they’re all different depending upon where we live and the age of the person who is doing the collecting.”
Cate stared, taken aback at the girl’s ability to synthesize ideas. “You are spot-on,” Cate said. “Very perceptive.”
Bathroom Boy raised his hand again. Cate smiled. “I’m going to pass these sculptures around while we take an informal break. Study them up close. And think about what animal you might have chosen to create. We’ll meet back here in ten minutes.”
Fortunately, the rest of the class period passed without incident. The adult chaperones were complimentary as they eventually shuffled their crew outside and onto the school bus.
Cate shielded her eyes from the sun and watched them drive away. She felt oddly energized, though the afternoon had been physically draining.
In one startling moment of clarity, she realized why she was still staying at Harry’s place. She was collecting artifacts of their time together, artifacts both literal and mental. The peach blossom necklace. The way he smiled when he saw her walk into a room. The blue shirt he gave her to wear on her wedding day. The sound of his voice singing in the shower.
Museums were important. They preserved art and beauty and so much else. Cate wouldn’t always have Harry, but she had unconsciously been assembling memories that would carry her through the days ahead.
After saying her goodbyes to the museum director and other staff, Cate rushed out to meet Becca and Leah at a nearby bistro. She was the last to arrive. Her sister and her best friend had already snagged a table. Both women got up and hugged her.
“Sorry I’m late,” Cate said. “The first museum class was today.”
“How was it?” Leah asked.
“Honestly, I was petrified at first. I’m not a teacher. But I jumped in and tried to let them see how diverse art can be...and how fun.”
“I think it’s awesome you’re doing that,” Becca said.
Cate smiled. “Thanks. I’m just trying to keep up with Leah.” She looked at her friend. “How are things going with getting the non-profit and the camp started?”
“It looks like we’ll be ready to have our first campers in early summer of next year. I may need some of your museum contacts to identify the kids who need our services.”
“Of course. Just let me know.”
They ordered an appetizer to share and drinks, then settled in. Cate put Becca out of her misery right away. “I’ve thought it over. If Mom and Dad are okay with it, I’d love to have you come manage the store with me.”
Becca squealed.
Leah beamed. “I can’t wait to see it. It’s such a great idea, Cate. I knew you would bounce back.”
Cate winced. “I don’t know about bouncing back, but at least I’m moving forward.” Shewasmoving forward. To a murky future perhaps, but forward was better than backward.
Leah and Becca exchanged a glance.
“What?” Cate looked from one to the other.
Leah sighed. “Jason is back in town. We didn’t know if you’d heard.”
A heartbeat of silence passed awkwardly. “Well, I assumed he would be...based on our previous plans.” Cate did her best to hide her unease. “It doesn’t matter, though. I’m fine.”
She wasn’t sure her companions believed her. Fortunately, they changed the subject.
Her sister started the inquisition. “So, how isHarry?”
“He’s great. But you both should know—I’ll be moving out of his place soon. I’ve already been looking at property, rental and otherwise.”
Leah’s expression morphed to guilt. “I wish my apartment wasn’t so tiny. I hate for you to rush into something.”
Becca smirked. “You can have my room when I move to Blossom Branch.”
