“I know.”
This time, there was no defense attached.
ONE LAST RECIPE CARD
At the front door, Vanessa reached for her suitcase.
Then Lily hurried after her.
Vanessa turned immediately.
Hope flashed across her face.
Lily held out one final card.
Blank.
At the top, in my handwriting, were six words:
When life gives you another chance…
Vanessa read it.
Then frowned.
“There’s nothing underneath.”
“No.”
“What am I supposed to write?”
Lily smiled.
“That part is yours.”
Vanessa looked confused.
“Grandma always says a recipe isn’t really finished until the person using it adds something.”
Vanessa tightened her fingers around the card.
Nobody filled the silence for her.
Some lessons need space.
Eventually, she slipped the card into her purse.
Carefully.
Not tossed beside her keys.
Not stuffed behind her wallet.
She placed it as if she finally understood it belonged somewhere important.
Then she picked up the suitcase.
