Page 24 of Chasing Sunrise

“Not really. We talk every day.”

Amanda’s parents flashed in her mind. She relaxed her shoulders and brought her attention back to Marisol.

“I’m proud of her. She’s living her best life.”

Amanda wanted to laugh. This kid sounded more mature than many women she knew. “I saw you doing Tai Chi outside, can you teach me?”

“Sure.” She jumped down from the stool. “When you first learn Tai Chi, it’s not important to get the steps exactly right, just concentrate on the movement and the breathing. But, if you want to know how to do the steps perfectly, all you have to do is follow me.”

“Your mom taught you?”

“Yeah. We practice together on Zoom or FaceTime.”

“Sounds amazing.”

The little girl grinned. “Tai Chi increases your quality of life.”

“Well, I could use that.”

They headed for the back door.

Kasey reentered the kitchen. “Where are you going?”

His mother entered behind him.

“To the sunroom,” Marisol answered.

“I’m going to learn Tai Chi,” Amanda added.

“She’s a terrible teacher.”

“I am not, Uncle K,” Marisol defended. “You refuse to listen.”

“I listen fine. You have unrealistic expectations.”

The child lifted her nose into the air. “Yes. I do.” Then she spun away, her hair swaying as she left the house.

Amanda met Kasey’s gaze and laughed. “She’s a ball buster.”

He pointed at Shelly. “Gets it from her grandmother.”

~

Kasey watched Amandaand his niece go through the backyard and into the sunroom built on the side of the garage. Marisol faced Amanda with her back to the glass window, so Kasey could see Amanda well. She followed instructions, breathing slowly, moving her arms and body, mimicking Marisol.

“Help me, will you?” His mother stood at the refrigerator door. She handed him platters of fresh fruit, vegetables, and tiny chicken salad sandwiches with the crusts trimmed off.

He placed them on the island. “Yay. I love your chicken salad.”

He’d spoken with his mother and father this morning before he’d left the house. They’d seen the Star Breeze footage and told him how sorry they were. They said Ethan had explained his part in it all, and made certain Kasey knew if he wanted to talk, they were there for him. He appreciated how she didn’t nag him about how he was feeling.

“These are for the book club meeting. If you want to eat, go with your dad and Marisol.”

“I’m staying for book club.”

She shook her head. “You know the rules, Kasey. They haven’t changed since you lived here. Everyone who attends book club has to have read the book we’re discussing.”

“I readTo Each Her Own.”

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