Page 96 of Loud Unspoken Memories

She raises a brow at Asher. He holds up a defensive hand. “Don’t look atme. I had nothing to do with it.”

“I can’t believe he did that,” I say once the nurse leaves.

Asher puts away his phone and steps closer. “About Dallas…”

“You don’t have to tell me. I know he’s gone.”

A wrinkle cuts across his forehead. “He called you?”

“No. I just know.”

He scoops Charlie into his arms. “Come on, bud. Let’s get you back to the hotel. Today, we’re swimming all day long. We’re going to be in the water so much, we might turn into fish.”

“Like Nemo?” Charlie asks.

“Yes, just like Nemo.”

Asher turns to me. “I called Anita last night and told her what happened. Or I told her mom anyway. Anita was sleeping. Jane said the remembrance service has been planned for tomorrow. Charles’s mom and sister are flying in later today. So, that means we’re free to go home on Saturday.” He punctures me with a glare. “Should I make airline reservations for three?”

I cackle. “With all the bad luck I’ve had lately, no thank you. You go ahead. Charlie and I will drive.”

“You know driving is—”

I wave a hand around. “More dangerous. Whatever. I’m not flying, Ash.”

He huffs in frustration. “Fine. I’ll go with you.”

“You’ve already been here for days. Bug needs you.”

“Bug is having a great time with Mel. Believe me, she’s fine. You and Charlie are my priorities this week.”

I wrap my arms around him and Charlie. “I love you, big brother.”

“You’d better. Now let’s get out of here. Charlie and I have some swimming to do while you help Anita’s family plan for tomorrow.”

I hand him the EpiPen. “Do not let this out of your sight.”

“Never. I’m sorry I didn’t have one. It was stupid of me not to ask for Anita’s when I picked him up. She wasn’t in the right mind to remember. I feel awful.”

“Ash, stop. I’m the one who should have had it.”

“Can we not play the blame game here? He’s good, and we’ll never be in that position again. Agreed?”

“Agreed.”

He lowers Charlie to the ground, and we leave the hospital, Charlie between us, each of us holding one of his hands. And a sudden wave of sadness overtakes me that Dallas isn’t the man holding Charlie’s other hand.

Chapter Thirty-nine

Dallas

I sit on a bench and stare at the grave marker. The one I’ve never seen before. The one that has the names of my wife and son, buried together for all of eternity.

There are still some wet teddy bears nestled near the headstone, brought by my family no doubt for DJ’s birthday last week.

After having the same goddamn dream two nights in a row, I drove down early this morning, drawn here by some inexplicable force of nature. It’s been two-and-a-half years, and this is the very first time I’ve sat in this spot and looked upon this grave.

The sun has melted most of the snow from the blizzard. Only piles on the side of the road made by snowplows remain. What a difference a few days can make.

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