“Do you know who Harry Truman was?” said Mei.
Braedon nods. “He was a president, right? The one who dropped the atomic bomb.”
“Yes. He did do that. He did a lot of things. And he had this habit, if he had strong feelings about something, he’d write a letter about it. Whether it was to opposing politicians or striking train workers, whatever or whoever got him worked up. He’d often write passionate page after page, and then when he was done, guess what he did with the letter?”
“Sent it?” says Braedon.
“Not usually. Usually, he didn’t send it. He ripped it up and threw it in the trash.”
“Was he mad after he ripped it up?” says Braedon. “Did he wish he had sent it?”
Mei shakes her head. “No and no. It was writing the letter that made him feel better. It was writing it that got all his thoughts and feelings out. He just had to write it to feel better. He didn’t have to send it.”
“So what you’re saying is, I should just write a message to my mom but not send it.”
“Yes. Write it and then see how you feel. And then see how you feel the next day. And the day after that. Maybe you wrote something you wish you hadn’t, or you wished you had included something that you didn’t. Then you rewrite it and see how you feel about the changes. There’s no rush to send it. You can even read what you wrote to the therapist. Or to your dad or GrandpaJudd. Read it out loud. See how that makes you feel. See if anyone has any advice.”
Braedon thinks about that for a minute, then says, “That’s a good idea, Mei. Thanks. I’ll go write a message to her now. But I won’t send it. I’ll do what you said. I’ll see how it makes me feel.” Braedon closes his laptop and pushes back his chair.
“Before you go do that,” says Mei. “I’d like to ask a favor.”
“From me?”
“Yes.”
“Sure,” says Braedon. “Anything.”
Mei smiles. “I would like your permission to marry Grandpa Judd.”
“You wantmypermission?” says Braedon. “Why?”
“Because you’re his closest family member.”
Braedon shakes his head. “No. Dad is.”
“Sadly, Braedon, that’s not true. Hopefully that’s changing and one day your dad and Grandpa Judd will be just as close to each other as you are to Grandpa Judd. But for now, you’re Judd’s closest family. That’s why I’m asking you for permission.”
Braedon considers Mei’s request and says, “Does that mean he’d move to Rochester with you?”
“I don’t think so,” says Mei. “Your grandpa and I haven’t discussed it because I haven’t told him yet that we’re getting married.”
Braedon laughs. “Told him? I thought you were going to ask him.”
“Let’s not get hung up on semantics,” says Mei. “The point is, I’d like to live in Riverwood near you and your father and Deb.I think Judd will need you all now that Teddy’s gone. And it’s only a half-hour drive to Rochester.”
“That’s pretty far,” says Braedon.
“I grew up in Los Angeles,” says Mei. “A half-hour drive barely gets you around the block. I’m happy to do it until I retire. So what do you say, Braedon? May I have your grandpa Judd’s hand in marriage?”
CHAPTER 42
Zoey nods at Wahlquist.
“Come on, Wags,” says Wahlquist. “Let’s go say hi to the boys upstairs.”
Wags aims his chin at Steph. “You watch your mouth. Just watch your goddamn mouth.”
Wahlquist helps Wags to his feet and then escorts him up the creaky wooden stairs. Thomas’s jaw tenses and he looks away.
