Chapter 3

Now, though, now you can wander in and scan the shelves, rifle through the drawers, and discover another whole part of Jimmy. At some point.

It would be too painful. Still…his hand hesitated over the doorknob.

“Hello? Matthew?”

He peered around the stairs and spied Heidi at the front door. She held a bag in her hands. A sad smile graced her classic features, at least momentarily.

“You are a sight for sore eyes.”

They embraced. She smelled like sunshine and strawberries.

“How are you doing?”

Matthew’s eyes were misty. “Now that I’m here, it’s really hitting me that he’s gone.”

She took his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I’m here for anything you need. Just call. Day or night. Isaac is currently out of state, so no worries about disturbing him.”

“That’s…” He just shook his head, wiping away a few stray tears with the back of his hand. Time for a change of subject. “What’s in the bag?”

“Glad you asked.” Heidi headed for the kitchen.