I get up, and a laugh reaches me. It’s a feminine giggle. I turn suddenly and look around me, but no one is there.
“It was a pleasure meeting you, Alice, and thanks for the chat.” I smile as I walk away. I know there’s life after death, and I believe in spirits and ghosts. I look at the tombstone one last time, and something shiny catches my attention. I approach and see a bracelet—a simple intertwining of golden and silver thread.
“Are you all right, baby?”
“Holy shit, Danny, are you crazy?” My heart beats wildly with fright.
“I didn’t think I’d scare you. It’s just us up here.”
“I know, it’s just that I was lost in my thoughts.” I hand him the bracelet, “Someone lost this.”
“How strange, where did you find it?” he asks, amazed.
“There.” I point to the lawn in front of the tombstone. “Why do you find it strange? It’s very nice.”
“It’s weird because it looks like the bracelet; Dad gave Mom ten years ago. He said it was a powerful protective amulet. I never believed it, but when Mom lost it, she got sick. It can’t be hers. I wonder why I’ve never seen it there before.”
“Because she needs it” is heard in the distance. Both Danny and I turn around, but no one’s there. We look at each other and burst out laughing. He must have felt it too. I’m not going crazy, am I?
“It’s time to go, home, baby. I’ll say goodbye to mom, and then I’ll be back,” he says. Another gust of wind hits us: “Give it to her.”
“I’m not going to take the painkillers anymore. I’m sorry, but they make me hallucinate,” I say.
“So you heard it, too. I’m not crazy,” he says.
I nod incredulously. How is this possible?
“Here, baby, if Mom says it’s yours, so it will be. Never take it off!”
“I promise, thanks.” I smile. “I’ll go ahead, so you have a moment with her.” I say goodbye to Alice and set out on the path. The sun is beginning to set, creating a powerful and hypnotic light. I turn to Danny, who is kneeling in front of the tombstone. I see a woman next to him. Dressed in white, she caresses his back.
The woman turns to me and greets me with her hand, then smiles before disappearing. I’m amazed, shocked.
Danny wipes his tears and walks in my direction.
“You know, after two years, today I had the feeling that she was here with me. Isn’t it strange?”
“Because she was here,” I tell him. “She was here with us.”
“What do you mean?”
“Nothing, don’t worry. Let’s go home. I need to lie down. I feel exhausted.”
“Sure, baby, let’s go.”
Once in the car, I take off his jacket but keep it in my lap. What a day!
On the way back, Jeremy sends me a message saying he’ll be back tomorrow morning.
I don’t know whether to be relieved.
After an exchange of ideas, Danny and I decide to order a pizza for dinner.
Danny
Today has been a crazy day for me. I’ve never brought anyone to Mom. I feel drained, happy, and even a little tired.
Hailey’s scent is intoxicating.
