“Keep an eye on her.”
Five ordinary words.
For more than 30 years, they had survived while everyone connected to them grew older and moved on.
“Thank you,” I said.
Ben nodded.
“For the ice cream?”
“For remembering.”
His eyes softened.
“Some people are hard to forget.”
Ellie leaned toward the window.
“So… do I still get free ice cream?”
“Ellie!”
Ben burst out laughing.
“Nice try, kiddo.”
I pulled out my wallet.
“She’s paying from now on.”
“Mom!”
“Three dollars.”
Ellie groaned dramatically as I handed Ben the money.
He passed her a strawberry shortcake bar.
Then he held out another.
“For you.”
I raised an eyebrow.
“I just said we’re paying.”
“This one’s different.”
“Why?”
Ben smiled.
“Old times.”
I took it.
That evening, Ellie and I sat on the front steps eating strawberry shortcake bars while the truck’s music faded down the street.
She asked me about Adam.
