Page 124 of We Are Just Us

“Then maybe scattering her ashes isn’t about letting her go. Maybe it’s about making space for the life you’re building. The one she’d want you to have.”

Kieran’s eyes burned. “I want to do it soon,” he said. “Before I talk myself out of it.”

“Are you going to do it alone?”

“No.” He said it faster than he expected. “I’m going to ask Rory.”

“That’s a big step. Letting him be part of something that personal.”

“I know.”

“What if he sees all of you, the grief, the mess, all of it, and he still chooses to stay?”

Kieran blinked. “I think that’s what I’m counting on.”

Jim nodded. “Same time next week?”

“Yeah.”

The screen went black.

Kieran stared at his reflection in the dark monitor. Then he picked up his phone.

KIERAN: Hey. Have an idea.

Almost immediately.

RORY BOYFRIEND: What’s up?

KIERAN: I want to scatter my mom’s ashes at the beach. Maybe this weekend. Would you come with me?

The dots appeared. Disappeared. Appeared again.

RORY BOYFRIEND: Of course. Whatever you need. I’m there for you.

KIERAN: Thanks.

RORY BOYFRIEND: Always thanking me. You don’t have to.

KIERAN: I know. I know.

RORY BOYFRIEND: Okay. You’re welcome.

KIERAN: Sunday evening? Sunset, hopefully a smaller crowd?

RORY BOYFRIEND: Perfect. I’ll bring the blankets.

KIERAN: You’re the best.

RORY BOYFRIEND: I am ;)

Kieran smiled. Let himself feel it.

He set his phone down and looked at the box sitting on the hearth across the room. The painted sunset on the lid.

He walked over to it. Ran his fingers along the edge.

“Okay, Mom,” he said quietly. “I think you’ll like where we’re going.”