Page 11 of Since the Day We Wished

He’d have to pick up some groceries. It was as simple as that.

Grabbing his keys, Luke headed out the door and into his car, driving to the nearest store he remembered seeing when they first arrived in town. This was a familiar errand, something he had done a thousand times before. But today, it felt different, tinged with the sadness of being in a new place and facing life's daily routines without his beloved Kate.

The golden glow of the morning sun was touching everything in its path when he pulled up in front of the local supermarket. A couple of people on ladders were tying patriotic streamers to the lampposts as a gentle breeze was blowing, making them flutter in the wind. Luke smiled at the festive atmosphere, his heart light and his mind at ease, in some inexplicable way, that he was exactly where he needed to be.

As he parked the car and stepped out, that same breeze caught his hair, and a profound realization swept through him that he was stepping into a new phase of life. It was a journey of healing and rediscovery, one small task at a time, each one leading him further from the past and closer to a future where he might find peace.

As he made his way through the parking lot to the doors, he saw a note taped to the glass.

Closed for the holiday weekend.

If only he had thought about going to the store last night, but he was exhausted from the move.

They’d have to make do with the pizza leftovers.

As he returned to his car, the sign for Phil’s Diner across the street caught his eye. Through the window, he saw a bustling crowd of locals chatting and laughing over plates piled high. Maybe this place would have what he was looking for, and the groceries could wait until tomorrow.

Crossing the street, he smiled at a few people passing by who had given him curious glances. Their knowing looks seemed to suggest that, like Ada, they were aware he had just moved to town. It was a change that would take some getting used to for Luke. In the fifteen years they’d owned their condo in Chicago, he could count on one hand the number of times he’d talked to their neighbors. The contrast from the big-city life was striking, and he felt a mixture of apprehension and excitement about becoming part of this tightly knit town.

Pushing open the diner’s door, the tantalizing scent of pancakes wafted to the foyer, wrapping around Luke like a warm embrace. As he walked inside and went over to the counter, an older woman in a light blue waitress uniform zoomed past him with a large plate of steaming hashbrowns in her hand. Luke took a seat in one of the red booths, eyes roaming over the 50s-themed décor. The counter stretched down the room, little jukeboxes adorning the white tabletops, and oldies songs pumping from a speaker, enhancing the retro ambiance. Luke grabbed a laminated menu and began to read through the breakfast options.

Just as he was losing himself in the choices, the waitress popped up on the other side of the counter, interrupting his perusal. “Alright, honey, what can I get ya?”

Luke looked up and ordered two Phil’s platters to go. As she scribbled down his order and darted toward the kitchen, he heard a voice addressing him from the side.

“Ain’t you the new guy in town?”

Luke turned to his right and saw a man with dark hair, dressed in coveralls, staring back at him. “Yeah, I guess that’s me. Luke Grayson.” He held out his hand.

The man smiled and shook it. “I’m Gary Harmon. I own the car shop down the road. That’s the Range Rover SV, ain’t it? I didn’t know they released the new one yet.”

Luke chuckled. “You know your cars. I bought it last week before my son and I drove down here from Chicago.”

“Chicago? That’s quite a drive. I’ve never been more north than Charleston. But I’ve never needed to go farther than that. This is my son, Tate. He works at the garage with me.”

Gary gestured to the teenage boy sitting on the next stool down, who looked like a younger version of himself.

“Nice to meet you all.” Luke wasn’t used to all this friendliness, but Gary seemed nice enough.

As they waited, Gary introduced him to a few other members of the town who were sitting nearby. Among them was a large, red-faced man, who came bounding out of the kitchen, his apron smeared with grease.

“Hey there! I’m Phil. Heard you put in an order, so I thought I’d come out and say, hey.”

“Nice to meet you and everyone else here.” Apparently, he was going to meet the entire town before he even got his food, Luke thought.

“Newcomers always stick out like sore thumbs in Hadley Cove.” Phil clapped his hands down on the bar counter. “But don't you worry, we take good care of folks around here.”

“Good to know.”

Phil nodded. “Well, I gotta get back to it. I’ll be right back with your platters.”

As Phil disappeared into the kitchen, Luke struck up a conversation with Gary and his son. They chatted for a bit, making the wait feel shorter. Before he knew it, Phil returned with a large bag full of Styrofoam containers in hand.

“Here you go, Luke. Two Phil’s platters and some extras for ya. Don’t be a stranger.”

Luke looked at the bags, confusion written across his face. “I think you might have put someone else’s order in there, too.”

Phil laughed, shaking his head. “No, this is all for you. Enjoy your breakfast and come back soon.”

---