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Goddammit, Claire.
With a reassuring dip of her chin, she turns and walks away, leaving me with my tears.
I turn back to stare at the picture.
“Hi,” I breathe, wiping the moisture from my cold cheeks. It’s going to snow. I can almost smell it, and my chattering teeth are a good indication. “I’m a little lost for words, which is unusual, but I’m pretty sure you’ve heard my ramblings all these years. Sorry about that.” I run my fingers over the engravings on her stone.
Jessica Williams.
“I’m probably not in the best position to ask for favors, but if you could give Nick a hug from me, that would be amazing.” My exhale is wobbly, my breath escaping in a cloud as I fight to keep it together. “I’m going to do my best to get back to them, but keep watching over them. They need you. Keep being the brightest star, so they know you’re there.”
Chapter Forty-Four
January
Me:Checking in. Still breathing. It’s cold as hell in Berlin. Give Jay-Jay a hug from me.
Something good: I made a snow angel because why not?
Jake:Enjoy every second. Hug received.
Something good: Picturing you making a snow angel.
Chapter Forty-Five
February
Me:Checking in. Still breathing. Waiting for my flight to Vienna.
Something good: They have a piano at the airport.
Jake:Away on business. Jay-Jay received the music books you sent.
Something good: We had some sock races before I left.
Chapter Forty-Six
March
Jake:Keep breathing. One breath at a time.
Something good: Construction began on the new shelter.
Chapter Forty-Seven
April
Jake:The world doesn’t spin without you on it.
Chapter Forty-Eight
May
Me:Checking in…Sorry, I needed a minute to catch my breath. I’m in Barcelona for two weeks. It’s busy.
Something good: Beth tells me they’re leaving the shelter and have a place of their own. Hannah is doing well.
Jake:Thanks for telling Jay-Jay what happens if you put Saran wrap on the toilet seat when he called you last week. It made for a great morning.
