I interviewed, explained my employment history, and was offered a position based on my experience.
The job didn’t pay quite as much, but I was grateful for it.
Walter and I kept in touch.
He was grieving, and some days were harder than others. We talked whenever he felt like calling.
About three months after Cathy died, I visited him.
His house was filled with photographs of their life together.
He showed me pictures from their wedding, vacations, and ordinary afternoons I’d never experienced but somehow felt connected to.
Then he brought out a photograph of Cathy when she was younger.
He handed it to me.
“She would’ve wanted you to have this.”
On the back, he’d written five words.
“Thank you for bringing me home.”
I couldn’t speak.
Walter looked at the picture of Emily I’d brought with me.
“I’ve thought about your sister every year,” he said.
“I know.”