It’s been a wonderful week. Let’s just leave it at that.
A pang hit my chest again, her words echoing in my mind as if they hadn’t fully seeped in.
He opened his mouth to speak. “I was just thinking that you—”
Radio feedback startled both of us before we realized what it was. “Leo for Jack” came over the line.
He reached for his walkie-talkie on the dining table and pressed the button to reply. “Leo, what’s up?”
The last time I saw Hazel and Leo, they’d had big smiles on their faces. I’d told them to reach out to me directly when the next set of paperwork came through for the second camp. And I was happy with the knowledge that they could rely on me. In that way, I’d still be part of Starlight even after leaving.
“Hey, so I hate to be the guy who only calls you when there’s a problem—”
Jack grinned. “Spit it out.”
Leo continued over the line. “The disposal is backed up. There’s this grinding noise akin to a banshee’s wail, or maybe a haunted… Anyway, it scared Bobby half to death. Could you come by and assess its viability, maybe give it an exorcism?”
Jack shot me a quick look, a smile still tugging at his lips. He didn’t need to say anything. I was already getting up and grabbing our empty mugs.
“It probably doesn’t need a full-blown exorcism. Maybe sage will be enough. I'll be right there.” He threw on his tool belt and boots before reaching for his keys, and I followed him out. He paused at the doorway. “I’ve been thinking a lot about second chances. Like, if people deserve them or if it’s worth it to try again. I guess what I’m asking is, do you think she’s worth it?”
It wasn’t even a question. “Of course she’s worth it.”
“Then maybe letting her go again isn’t what’s best for her. Thanks for the coffee. See you around.” He tossed me a wink, as if we were in on some joke, before taking off in a light jog.
I wanted to ask him to look out for Autumn, to take care of her. But none of that needed to be said. She’d take care of herself, and as her best friend, Jack had already been doing all those things before I came around. He’d continue looking out for her, be there for her when I couldn’t.
As I walked back to my cabin, groups were reminiscing, laughter lacing the air. It still hadn’t sunk in that I was leaving. I’d be going back home, but my condo didn’t appeal to me like it had before. A sterile open floor plan and walk-in closets felt useless and emotionless. None of it felt like home when I thought about it. Guess it was time to redecorate. Yeah, that’s what I’d do.
