My chest tightens. I don’t know if I’m still in denial about it, but it’s like a fresh wound every time I hear her name. “We’re all… sort of getting through it together.”
She sighs. “When he told me about his friends living here, I’ll admit I was a little worried. I can’t imagine how you reacted to that homecoming. But after talking to him for a long while, it seemed as though they’re good people and, more importantly, they haven’t relapsed and put you in any danger. After all you’ve both been through, I know he’d do anything to keep your environment safe and stable.”
“I haven’t ever felt threatened by them. Honest,” I say. “But I was afraid Margaret would react badly and send me back to live with you.”
Aunt June’s eyes fall soft with sympathy. “And you just wanted to be home.”
I nod.
“Well, I’m sorry to visit under unfortunate circumstances, but I’m looking forward to meeting them. I’m glad your father has this support system, you know.”
“I am, too,” I say, and I mean it. Because they’re not only his support system, but mine, too.
“And I’m glad you’re happy here, doll.”
“It doesn’t mean Idon’tmiss you.”
“Ah, I know.” She smiles. “But it’s nice to hear it.”
As I’m pulling in the driveway, I notice a strange, multi-colored something hanging from the mailbox. My brain automatically jumps to Nonnie’s love for rainbow extravagancies, but I know that can’t be it. After helping June with her suitcase, I start down the driveway.
“Just a second,” I say.
I open the mailbox all the way, freeing a Starburst bracelet made from only the tropical wrappers. There’s a note attached, but I already know who it’s from.
I KNOW YOU’RE GRIEVING, AND I WANTED TO SAY I’M SORRY. I DIDN’T WANT TO BOMBARD YOU WITH TEXTS OR ANYTHING. IF YOU WANT TO TALK, I’M HERE.
I clutch the bracelet in my hand. This is the first time I’ve heard from Alex in over a week. Does this mean he could be open to forgiving me?
I swallow, remembering our conversation in the workshop. He’s probably just offering his condolences. Like Lin said, that’s who he is—a nice guy.
“Anything good?” June asks as I’m unlocking the front door.
I stare down at the bracelet. “I hope so.”
Wallis bombards June as soon as we walk through the door. I use her suitcase as a blockade until my dad runs down the hall, grabbing him by his collar. Saylor is on his heels, apologizing profusely.
“I’ll let him outside,” he says. “I’m Saylor, by the way. It’s great to finally meet you.”
“Likewise,” June says, and I can’t help but think how surreal it is that she’s here.
Walliswoofsas Saylor takes him away. He wanted to keep him, and he’d asked us if that was okay. I remembered when Nonnie said she wasn’t going to give up on him. I know Saylor won’t, either.
Peach steps into the room. “Oh, June, it’s such a pleasure to meet you.” She wraps her in a hug like they’ve been friends forever, and to my surprise June returns it. She says something to Peach that I can’t hear, but when I see Peach nod mournfully I can guess what it’s about.
“Come on in. You must be exhausted,” my dad says, placing her suitcase near the stairs.
June wraps my dad in another hug. “You look so good. How are you doing?”
“We’re holding up as best we can, I think,” my dad answers earnestly. “It was unexpected.”
While they sit in the living room, I walk into the kitchen where Peach is reheating some leftover soup for June. She gives me a tired smile when she sees me.
The guilt I’ve held on to for the last few months blankets me. Before I can think, I blurt, “I—I’m sorry… I’ve been meaning to say it for a while now, but I haven’t.”
Peach gives me a light squeeze on my shoulder. “Oh, Kira, I know.”
I’m surprised by this. I acted so horribly, yelling at her over a progress report. “You know?”
