Then she paused and decided to shave more. She would think of an explanation later, in case John asked. She dressed carefully, even stopping to twirl ...n front of the mirror, just in case. She smiled again at the thought and ran downstairs and out into the garage. As she drove she sang. When she realized it, it made her laugh; she had not done that in years. It was such a beautiful day, so full of promise. A few minutes later Joan pulled her car into Paul’s driveway. Just then the garage door. " He helped her sit up. "Both your mother and Lady Esmerelda said it would take time for you to regain your full strength." Will you stand by me?" Yes." He stared into her eyes. "Without a doubt." Forever?" Forever."Clara stepped into the High Priestess chambers and knelt. "You wished you see me your reverence?"The High Priestess handed Clara a scroll. "This arrived this morning, addressed to you."Clara accepted the scroll and unrolled it."My darling Clara,By the time you read this, I will be. You cannot tell our parents… EVER!I agreed and asked who would kiss me first. Paige said she was the oldest (by 11 minutes) and she got to go first. Obviously something they had worked out beforehand. I made my lap available and Paige wiggled her tiny butt onto my legs. I gently kissed her cheek first, to break the ice. Paige then put her soft lips against my mouth and pressed firmer and firmer. I opened my lips and her mouth opened with mine. I felt her tiny tongue enter my mouth and. I carry my family with me. Two metal containers, etched with their names, in my backpack. Sealed shut, airtight as such, their ashes inside. They were cremated, I couldn’t bring myself to scatter them in the city anywhere, and after a while, I couldn’t bring myself to scatter them anywhere. I think it seems more appropriate to find somewhere peaceful, when I’m in a position mentally, emotionally and physically ready to do so, then, when I’m finally ready, it will be done… And now here I sat,.