Chapter 18 - Seventy-Two Hours Again
Five years after the day Ryan threw me out, I received another seventy-two-hour leave.
Same season.
Same lake.
I drove the same road.
For a moment, memory played tricks on me.
I could almost see the trucks blocking my driveway.
Hear laughter through the windows.
Feel that duffel against my shoulder.
But when I opened the door, the house was silent.
On the counter was a note from Jessica.
Fridge is stocked. Nobody has a key except you, me, and management. I checked the dock yesterday—with permission. Sleep.
I laughed.
Then I walked to my grandfather’s chair.
Sat down.
And slept for three hours.
When I woke, sunset filled the room.
There was a knock.
I checked the camera.
Jessica.
Alone.
I opened the door.
She held two pizzas.
“May I come in?”
Five years later.
Still asking.
May you like
I stepped aside.
“Always.”
