“My precious girl,“ she crooned. “I’ve missed you so. You look so beautiful… and you got a new haircut.” I touched my head instinctively, nervously. “Yeah… and I’ve missed you too.” I hugged her hard. I did miss her. Ryan’s family was close. They were the reason we moved to Indianapolis. He grew up in Carmel, about twenty minutes north of our house. My house now. “I’m so sorry to barge in on you like this. I should have called, but I didn’t know if you would answer.” “Of course I would have answered.” I wasn’t positive that I would have. “I know, honey, but we all suffered a tragedy and I know how people are. They hide away and I just didn’t want to miss an opportunity to see you.” Vince appeared in the stairwell. He had to know by now that Linda was our visitor. It’s not like he could hide up there. Could he? “Hi, Mrs. Stephens.” He paused and walked towards her. “I don’t know if you remember me…”
