My sons laughing together.
I stood at the kitchen window.
And cried.
Ned returned to collecting stones.
He kept them in the same wooden box he’d used as a child.
Sometimes he sat beside me in the garden.
Sorting them.
Labeling them.
And asking questions.
One afternoon, he looked up.
“Mom?”
“Yes?”
“Do you think Dad knew we’d come home?”
I swallowed.
I looked toward the sky.
Then answered carefully.
“I think your father wanted you to be safe more than anything.”
Ned nodded.
He picked up a small stone.
Then whispered:
“I miss him.”
I pulled him close.
“Me too.”
Today, I’m fifty-one.
Nine years have passed since the fishing trip.
Three years have passed since Clara found the phone.
Our family has changed.
Clara is married now.
Willa teaches music.
Maisie is preparing for college.
Jory is working and studying part-time.
Tobin is rebuilding his education.
And Ned is learning to trust the world again.
