But before I go, please do a few things for me. You’ve sacrificed so much of yourself, putting others’ needs before your own. This summer is your turn to find some simple abundance. Please humor me with the list below and follow it, especially number thirteen.
Your Southold Summer Bucket List
1.Make my famous lavender scones.
2.Bike into town and shop at the farmer’s market.
3.Read a book on my back porch with a nice glass of wine.
4.Take a walk in the rain.
5.Do something just for fun.
6.Swim in the sea as much as you can.
7.Listen to music and dance.
8.Sleep with the windows open.
9.Find someone to play poker with. And be fair.
Dahlia laughed through the ache. That might be hard, seeing as she was unbeatable. She leaned forward, eager to read more.
10.Watch the sunrise and sunset as much as you can.
11.Bring my garden back to life.
12.Find a home for my paintings in the barn.
Last but not least, the most important …
13.I have a safe-deposit box at the bank in town. You need to find the key. It’s somewhere at the house and holds a secret that shall set you free. I realize that sounds a bit dramatic, but you deserve the truth. Don’t leave or sell the house without finding it. Promise me. It’s vital. I can’t stress this enough. Check all my favorite places. I’m sorry I can’t remember where it is. My memory hasn’t been the same since my first diagnosis.
I love you with all my heart and soul,
Lil
Truth? Secret?
And now Dahlia had to find a key before she could leave? Her eyes blinked rapidly, trying to process this new information and the uncertain task. What on earth could be so important? And why wouldn’t Lil have told Dahlia when she was alive? Her mindswirled, hoping to find a landing spot. Something that would offer an explanation. What kind of family secret would set her free?
Suddenly, Dahlia felt angry. Her breaths became labored and loud. Dahlia didn’t like secrets. It reminded her of the time she overheard Gran whisper to Lil in the pantry the summer after her parents died. She’d only been thirteen, but some memories stay with you forever. “We can’t keep her. She needs to be with people her own age. She and Kara are already close. Plus, Peter’s sister wants her. It’s for the best, Lil.” Dahlia was crushed. She’d assumed she would live with them come fall and go to school in Southold. That was what she wanted more than anything in the world. But like most things in life, you don’t always get what you want.
Things just got way more complicated, and her summer plans to “find herself” hit a significant snafu. Where would she even start with this new revelation? She needed to talk to Kara.
She let Harry out to do his business; this time, he didn’t wander. Perhaps he, too, sensed Dahlia’s uncertainty. “Come on, boy.” Dahlia looked down at her shadow. With every step up the stairs, he was right by her side. He understood her when few people did.
“How could anyone give you up? You are the best dog. Well, aside from your roaming.”
There was a ruff, followed by a giant leap onto the bed. Dahlia followed suit with a slow climb and FaceTimed her cousin.
“Kara,” Dahlia said, feeling her voice break, holding back her tears.
“Are you okay? You don’t look good.” Kara’s nose crinkled.
“Thanks.” She exhaled. “I just really needed to talk to you. Is this a bad time?”
“No, it’s fine. The boys are watching a movie with Tony. What’s up?” Kara said, her bun bouncing as she walked through her house.
