Page 104 of Forever Gone

Red vinyl booths lined the windows. Chrome table edges reflected the remaining lights above the counter. Half the stools had been turned upside down, and the checked floor near the kitchen shone from a recent mop. A server carried a tub of condiments toward the back.

Hank Duggan stood behind the counter with a towel over one shoulder. White hair lay thin across his scalp. When he moved toward the register, his left leg followed a fraction behind the right.

“I thought you might show up,” he said.

“Sorry it’s so late.”

“The kitchen’s winding down, but I can do you some waffles and ice cream.”

Selena removed her coat. “Thanks, Hank. That sounds great.”

He nodded toward the window. “Jessie’s over in your favorite spot.”

The booth had belonged to the three of them before any of them understood how long a life could carry choices made in adolescence. Selena, Jessie, and Connor had occupied it often enough that Hank once threatened to charge rent.

Jessie sat alone now, both hands around a pale ceramic cup.

Blue hair framed the shaved section above one ear. A small silver stud caught the light at the side of her nose. Bracelets covered one wrist, and the sleeve of a black sweater had been pushed to the elbow.

Selena approached the table. “Pretty late for coffee.”

Jessie rose and wrapped both arms around her. “It’s chamomile tea.”

“That sounds responsible.”

“Don’t ruin the moment by sounding surprised.”

They sat opposite each other.

Jessie reached into a pocket and placed a round chip on the table. The number ONE YEAR was stamped across the center.

Selena picked it up carefully. “That’s amazing, Jessie.”

"Yeah." Jessie traced the edge of the cup. "I struggle sometimes, but I feel good knowing I haven't used it for that long. A full year sounds different from eleven months and twenty-nine days."

“It should.” Selena returned the chip. “You know I’m always here if you need me.”

“I know.”

Jessie turned the chip over. “There were nights I didn’t think I’d make it to morning without calling somebody I shouldn’t. Connor slept on my couch more than once because I told him I was fine, and he knew I was lying.”

“That sounds like him.”

“He never made a speech about it. He just showed up with bad coffee and stayed.”

Selena pictured Connor sitting awake in Jessie’s living room, refusing to leave because he had learned when silence meant danger.

“You did the hard part,” Selena said.

Jessie nodded. “I’m still doing it.”

“You are. And you’re doing well.”

Hank arrived carrying a plate piled with waffles, two scoops of vanilla ice cream, and a scattering of sliced strawberries.

Jessie leaned closer. “Oh, that looks good.”

Selena smiled. “Can we have a second fork?”