With all my love,
Mrs. Higgins.
“And always remember that what you have done is important.”
I let out a sob, sharp and grateful. Holt squeezed my shoulder.
For the first time in months, the world didn’t seem so empty.
No one spoke.
I placed a hand on my stomach. “We’re staying, baby,” I whispered to my daughter.
Holt walked me home, placing the envelope on the table. “If you need anything, call the police station. Ask me.”
Nobody said a word.
***
Around noon, my phone lit up with Lee’s name.
Maybe someone on the street had already told him about the sheriff’s cars. Maybe he thought I needed him now.
I let it ring.
For once, not responding didn’t make me feel alone. I felt at peace.
***
The day passed in a blur, with calls from the bank, paperwork from Sheriff Holt, and neighbors slowing down near my porch as if they finally knew my name.
Ms. Pearson, across the street, gave me a small, awkward but genuine nod.
At sunset, I sat on the steps with Mrs. Higgins’ letter on my lap, with the feeling that the whole street had moved around me.
I let it ring.
