I finally grew drowsy as a sliver of dawn sliced through the hotel curtains and crept along the carpet. Sleep came, and I dreamed of the day I decided to leave the city and Laura for good.We rode to the top of the Empire State Building, completed in a little more than one year. The building was a success story towering triumphantly over New York, just like Laura’s career.On the observation deck, children and most adults hesitated to walk to the edge of the building, but Laura ran to the railing. She thrust both hands skyward, as if standing on top of the world.With the ring carefully tucked away in my pocket, I stood beside her. The blue-sky spring morning offered hope that this time Laura would say yes. We gazed over the city we knew so well. Her face flushed with joy. She’d never looked happier. I’d picked the perfect day.A redheaded girl in pigtails ran up and held out a pencil and slip of paper. She asked for an autograph. Laura wrote her name and chatted with the girl.In my dream, my father materialized beside me.
