She smiles softly and simply says, “Thanks.”
Words come to mind—things I could say to her about how strong she is and how much I admire her, what a good mom she is, how lucky Mia is to have her. But I don’t say any of that. I just stand and reheat the cocoa.
“Ready for dessert?” I ask.
She stands and grabs down two mugs. “Always.”
She deserves to have fun. I don’t know where that thought comes from or why, but it digs roots in and refuses to let go.
I pour the cocoa and rinse the pan in the sink.
Then I pick my mug up and lean back on the counter across from Hallie.
I’m not the man to bring fun into someone’s life. As a matter of fact, I might be the absolute worst candidate for the job.
I run my fingers down the smooth ceramic of the mug.
I had it in me once. For her, I can find that piece of me again.
We finish our cocoa, not saying much more to one another, but smiling at one another occasionally. I like thatshe can be quiet like this, not rushing to fill the space with words. I rinse our mugs and we walk through the bays back toward the bunks.
We don’t hug goodnight. Instead, we’re silent, careful not to disturb Dustin and Patrick. I whisper goodnight and she whispers it back with a soft smile.
I lie in my bed on the edge of sleep, my thoughts blurring between Hallie in the kitchen and Hallie in Munich.
Nine Years Ago: Munich, Germany
Greyson
We left the bakery, our cocoas and pastries in hand. Thankfully, I knew the general way to Alter Botanischer Garten—the old botanical garden with beautiful buildings, gravel paths and stone benches.
We walked and talked, passing back through Stachus with its fountain and tram rails embedded in the ground. Within minutes we were standing in front of the Justizpalast, the Palace of Justice. The lighting washed the building facade in a warm golden glow, highlighting the columns and sculptures. The glass dome glistened softly overhead.
“What is that?” Hallie asked me wide-eyed, her voice breathy with wonder.
“It’s your palace, princess,” I said, feeling almost foolish, but far too happy to care.
“And who will be my prince?” she asked, playing along with a British accent.
“I don’t know a man worthy enough,” I said, the truth coming far too easily. I added a bow for dramatic effect.
“Maybe,” she said, her eyes roving across the building as ifshe owned it. “I will have to set up a contest. And the winner will have my hand.”
“I’m a strong competitor,” I told her.
“I’m counting on it,” she said, laughing and skipping away with her cocoa in hand.
I picked up my pace, not skipping, but walking fast enough to catch up to her.
“I wonder what it would be like to live in a castle,” she said. “Maybe lonely.”
“Not if you have the right people around you.”
“True.” She nodded, and we walked the peaceful, tree-lined street toward the botanical garden.
The garden wasn’t like the ones I’d seen in America. This one had no gates around it to keep it closed at night. We could still hear the muted sounds of the city in the distance. Paths crossed through this urban park and the random person would occasionally stroll through coming from a train or a night out.
We entered along Sophienstraße. Patches of lamplight filtered through the trees. The further we walked into the park, the more it felt like we were leaving the city behind us. A short distance in, we came to an open lawn and the Neptune fountain, surrounded by trees. Hallie stared at the statue in the middle.
