Monday’s Wish: Return from Virginia
Dear Boss,
I cannot say why it is that I love mountains, yet the road trip to Newman College has proven it again to me.
Sara’s mood ranged from excited to content. I hope that this college will admit her.
It is odd that she has not included her parents in this decision. If Sara chooses Newman, I believe the choice is a wise one. Perhaps that is why she has left out Mr. and Mrs. Tucker. Sara may fear that they would try to dissuade her, and it is simpler to announce the result rather than to discuss.
I shall follow her example, for I am announcing a decision to you. My conscience won’t allow me to fail Sara or her friend. Tomorrow, I shall resume my assistance on Scott’s landscaping project. Since I won’t be granting wishes, I shall dispense with the guise of an apprentice and file no further status reports. Nor can I serve in the role of a guardian, as there are no imminent physical dangers threatening my mistress.
My apologies if this creates difficulties for how you classify me.
My sincere regards,
Grant
26
Quiet Communion
Since Grant couldn’t count on his supernatural powers, he also couldn’t count on being able to exit the lantern on demand. We picked the fitness room as new lodging for him, because it was tucked away into a corner of the first floor and was accessible from both the house and the garage. He wouldn’t bother anyone there. My parents had no desire to exercise, and the room had plenty of empty floor space around the free weights, bench, and treadmill.
When we pulled into the B&B parking lot on Tuesday morning, Scott glanced our way with a distracted frown that quickly changed to a huge grin.
“Please tell me you’re here to work,” he said as we approached.
“We are,” I said, giving him a kiss on the cheek instead of a hug. Just being conscientious about his bad arm.
He reached past me to give Grant a handshake. “Let me pay you. You’re as good as any professional.”
“Treat me like an intern. Your praise is compensation enough.” He dragged on his gloves, already down to business. “Shall Sara and I return to the wedding site again today?”
“That’d be great. The bluff or the trails. Take your pick.”
Grant led me to the edge of the bluff overlooking the river, at the spot where the gazebo would be built. He gestured at the steep slope of the river bank. “We shall clear the incline today.”
By our mid-morning break, I detected a slow-down in him. I didn’t point it out, though. He would either be upset or defensive, claiming he was merely trying to match my pace. I could also explain my observations as looking for something wrong and finding it.
When I entered the garage on Wednesday morning, the change was clear. Grant had always had this vibrancy about him, and it was fading. His movements were careful and measured, as if his joints pained him.
Even though this was only the second morning without his nutrients, they hadn’t hung in there as long as he’d hoped. Maybe intense physical labor drained him faster. He didn’t comment on how he felt or how it might affect our productivity today. Instead, he greeted me gravely and helped me into the driver’s side of the SUV, like always.
I waited until we were both seated and buckled in before turning to him. “Did you eat breakfast?”
“I have. Buttered toast suits me well.”
“Are you sure it’s enough?”
“Completely.” He stared pointedly at the dashboard clock. “What time did you wish to arrive at the site?”
“Heading there now.” I raised the automatic door and backed out.
The only vehicles in the B&B’s parking area were two sports cars with out-of-state license plates. I hadn’t expected to be the first to arrive. “Do you think we should wait for Scott?”
“He is doubtless detained on another project, and it makes little sense to stand here uselessly.” His gaze swept the area. “The wedding provides a deadline that keeps progress on the venue urgent.”
“Today’s project needs to be far enough away from the house that we don’t disturb their guests.”
