***
The following Tuesday, I went to the botanical garden.
Afterward I wandered through the farmers’ market. Bought peaches I didn’t really need.
Then drove to the little ice cream stand on Oakridge Street.
Vanilla.
Thomas had guessed correctly.
It was my favorite.
Thomas had guessed correctly.
On the way home I stopped beside the lake.
The ducks ignored me completely.
I laughed out loud.
People stared.
For once, I didn’t care.
The ducks ignored me completely.
***
Months passed.
But I haven’t learned how to fix grief.
Because Thomas never had.
He had only taught me something much smaller.
Sometimes, the greatest kindness isn’t finding the right words.
It’s making sure another person never has to carry them alone.
I haven’t learned how to fix grief.
