I tossed back the tablet, slipped under the covers, and waited for oblivion.
Friday, 19 June
Dear Camarin,
It has been too long since our paths have crossed. I hope you are well.
There is an important reason that I’ve chosen to contact you now. Sara Tucker remains adrift in her grief, yet circumstances will soon force her into dramatic change. Her parents will sell the family home and relocate to a smaller residence. Sara has claimed the responsibility of packing Sean’s belongings.
My support could greatly benefit her, and the need is urgent. However, I have yet to receive instructions from the League. Perhaps they hesitate because Sara would best be served by a month of wishes. They might believe my skills as a principal Being would be wasted when an apprentice would suffice.
Will you advise me on how to proceed?
Best,
Grant
Friday, 19 June
Dear Grant,
It was a surprise and a pleasure to receive your note.
I am gratified to learn of your willingness to serve Sara. As you mull over your next actions, you are wise to worry about the impact of delay on her. The well-being of our human masters must always be our primary concern. All other rules are subordinate.
Do what you think is best for Sara. The League cannot fault your intentions.
Best,
Camarin
5
Lucid Decisions
My parents were spending Saturday morning at the consignment shop before leaving for our beach cottage in Nags Head. I would have the house to myself all weekend.
The lingering fuzziness from the sleeping pill made it hard to get going. I huddled in the shower, trying to collect my wispy thoughts. Something about shopping for cartons and crates.
Oh, yeah, that blew away the fog. How could I have forgotten my brother’s bedroom?
Fifteen minutes later, I’d dressed, pulled my hair into a high ponytail, and slipped on flip-flops. In that barely presentable state, I grabbed a travel mug full of coffee, found my keys, and headed to the garage.
The home improvement store didn’t have many choices, which was just as well, since I didn’t have the brain capacity to make lucid decisions.
I was throwing trash bags into my cart when I heard someone walking down the aisle. But instead of going past me, the person stopped. I glanced over my shoulder. “Grant.”
He smiled. “Hello.”
Until I saw him, I hadn’t realized how much I’d hoped he would come—how much I liked the idea of working with him instead of the others. “You got Kimberley’s message.”
“Indeed. I apologize for the delay. I had another assignment to bring to a close.”
“So you’re here to help me?”
“However you wish.”
This was great. So great. I backed away from the shopping cart like it was a poisonous snake. “Could you start by picking the, um, ... ?”
