Chapter 15 - The House Key Returned

Three years after Christmas, Megan sold her house.
Not because she had to.
Because she wanted something different.
She had met someone named Aaron.
They were getting married.
Together, they wanted a smaller home closer to the city.
At closing, Megan sent me a photograph.
Her old silver key resting on the kitchen island.
Caption:
Best terrible gift ever.
I laughed.
She used part of the sale proceeds to finish reimbursing Mom and Dad for what remained of the original equity contribution.
Dad protested.
Megan insisted.
Then she put the rest toward her next home.
When she and Aaron bought it, they split the down payment.
At their housewarming party, Dad jokingly reached into his pocket.
Megan pointed at him.
“Don’t you dare give anyone a key.”
Everyone laughed.
Aaron looked confused.
“You’ll learn,” I told him.
Later, Megan found me outside.
“Do you ever think about that night?”
“Sometimes.”
“I hated you for about three days.”
“I know.”
“I thought you ruined Christmas.”
“I know.”
She smiled.
“You actually saved us.”
I shook my head.
“No. I stopped saving everyone.”
She considered that.
“Maybe that’s what saved us.”
May you like
Exactly.
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