She had asked me to forgive her in advance.
I wasn’t there yet.
But I was on my way.
I pulled into my driveway and sat for a moment before going inside.
On my phone was a message from Claire, sent while I was driving.
*Rosie wants to know if you’ll come for her birthday.
It’s in six weeks.
No pressure — just passing it along.*
I read it twice.
Then I typed back: *Tell her I wouldn’t miss it.*
I got out of the car.
The evening air was cool and smelled like rain coming.
I stood in the driveway for a moment, looking at nothing in particular.
Then I went inside.
For the first time since Carol had passed, the house didn’t feel quite so empty.
—
Some secrets are kept out of fear.
