EMOTIONAL ENDING
On the first anniversary of Russell’s death, Paige and I drove out to the cemetery together.
We brought folding chairs, two coffees, and Russell’s phone. I’d finally stopped charging it every night, but I still kept it in my purse.
I sat in front of his headstone for a long time without saying anything.
“You were right,” I told him finally. “About everything. As usual. Don’t let it go to your head.”
Paige laughed. Then she reached into her bag and pulled out a small frame.
It was the beach photo. The two of us under the striped umbrella, squinting into the sun. She’d had it printed and framed.
On the back, in her handwriting, she’d crossed out the old message. Underneath it, she’d written a new one.
Last photo as best friends. First one as sisters.
I held it in my lap for a long time.
“I want to take a new one,” I said. “Right here. With him.”
