Chapter 34 - A GOOD DAY
Evelyn had a good day at the memorial.
She recognized Noah immediately. She remembered Claire's favorite coffee and the blue dress she wore to graduation. Lily placed a yellow flower beside the urn.
“Is Aunt Claire in heaven?” she asked.
Daniel knelt. “I hope so.”
Noah wore the empty leather bracelet. The chip was locked in a federal evidence vault, but he kept the leather because his mother's hands had fastened it.
They scattered part of Claire's ashes over Blackwater Lake. The water caught the morning light and turned silver.
“She hated cold mornings,” Daniel said.
“She hated everything before coffee,” Noah answered.
They laughed without guilt.
Later, alone on the dock, Daniel touched Claire's name carved into the memorial stone.
“I'm sorry I was late.”
Noah stood beside him. “You found her.”
May you like
Then he shook his head.
“No. She found us.”
