Dear Rusty,
I received your note, and I understand your concern. Unc has promised me that Ma Deary will be on her best behavior and not embarrass you in front of Ozzie and his family, Jutta, and Mrs. Gathers. Ma is a lot of things, but I know deep down she’s proud of you and she wouldn’t want to miss you walking across that stage. Last week, I overheard her on the telephone bragging about you to one of her friends from work, talking about how you were going off to college on a full scholarship. Then, yesterday, I caught her down in your bedroom looking at that old picture of you from the Easter-egg hunt when you found the golden egg. I think she’s getting sentimental over everything, so cut her a little slack. And don’t worry, I’ll be there to help you put out any fires.
Mrs. Brown and the staff at Brooks High held a car wash to raise money to help with your college books. Since you’re leaving for Philly right after the graduation ceremony, I’m tasked with making sure you get the check, so don’t let me forget to give it to you.
Oh, and Mary Ellen sends her love. I was going to tell you this in person, but I need to tell someone, or I’ll blow the whole thing.Drumroll, please. Pat, tat, tat! I’m going to propose to Mary Ellen next month! Don’t you tell a soul, but I’m going to get down on my knee on June 12, the one-year anniversary of the Loving v. Virginia Supreme Court ruling that makes our union legal. I know what you’re thinking, and yes, I’m still a hopeless romantic. But please, keep it under your hat. I don’t want anyone to get wind of this and ruin the surprise. When we see each other, I’ll show you the ring.
Well, the cows need milking and the grass mowing, so I’ll end here. The twins say hello, and we all look forward to seeing you soon.
Love your big bro always and forever,
Walt
5/3/68
Sophia closed the letter and placed it against her heart.
On the evening before graduation, Sophia was in the cafeteria by herself when Miz Peaches walked over to her table with a dishrag.
“So, are you really going to Penn?”
“I’m still in awe myself.”
“Honey, hush.” She whistled between her teeth. “And I know that school cost a pretty penny.”
“My father’s wife graduated law school there, and once I was accepted, she petitioned wealthy donors and all but moved mountains to convince them to give me a scholarship.”
Miz Peaches smiled. “What’re you majoring in?”
“I’ve decided on journalism.”
“Why?”
Sophia thought back to the first time she had met Mrs. Gathers and seen all those books in her personal library. Over the years, shehad collected copies of the countless articles that Mrs. Gathers had bylined in her quest to give American homes to children like her. The reason was simple: “I want to be able to help people. Give those a voice who might be overlooked and can’t speak for themselves.”
“That’s admirable, and I’m going to miss you. I brought you a little something.” Miz Peaches pulled an index card from her apron pocket. “Here’s my sugar-cookie recipe. I know how much you like them. Whenever you start missing us around here, make yourself a little taste of home.”
Sophia stood, and they rocked in each other’s arms. “Thanks, Miz Peaches. I wouldn’t have made it these three years without you.”
“Just doing my job.” Miz Peaches’s face lit up. “And you, sugar, have made it worth it.”
On the night before graduation, it was tradition for the seniors to break curfew. While most of the students ran amok and partied in the lower woods, Sophia and Max met on the bench behind the Magnolia Clubhouse. They sat in the same spot they had on the night of the dance when she’d discovered that he was from Germany. Max straddled the bench, and Sophia leaned back in his arms.
“I’m going to miss this.” She circled his wrist with her fingertip.
“My parents have agreed to stop through Philly on our way back from Martha’s Vineyard in August so that I can see you. Where will you be staying?”
“Precollege lasts for four weeks, so I’ll be on campus. I think there is a week between that and when school actually starts, and Ozzie invited me to stay with him.”
“You still call him Ozzie?”
“For now, and he’s good with it.” Sophia smiled, and then she placed her fingertip on his burn mark and enjoyed that exhilarating feeling of their early connection. In response, Max let his hand brushover the scar on the back of her thigh. Then he put his lips against hers and kissed her slowly at first, then with urgency.
Sophia came up for air. “I hate that this is it.”
“It’s not goodbye, it’s just so long for now.” He cradled her face, and she got lost in his eyes.
She placed her head on his shoulder, and they sat gazing up at the moon. The pair had gotten to the place where they didn’t need words to convey their hearts’ intentions, and Sophia liked that about being with Max. Even though tonight was the end of an era in her life, it was also the beginning.
