Page 3 of Keeping London (Flawed Heart)

“I would be,” I agree, nodding again.

“You see, my dear, magic can be found anywhere because it’s found in here”—she points to her head—“and in here.” She points to her heart. “I know that you want to come to England and, believe me, Granddad and I want you there, too. But you shouldn’t wait until you’re there to have amazing adventures. No matter where you end up in this life, it is your responsibility to create magic wherever you go. Do you understand?”

“I do. Magic already lives in my mind and heart. I just have to make it.”

“Exactly!”

Nan grins widely, and it makes me happy.

“Nan, can we work on my submarine?”

“Of course! I’ve made some amazing submarines in my day.”

“Maybe Mommy will take me to the library tomorrow, so I can get lots of whale books. I’ll need to know all about them when I go on my journey.”

“Oh, I bet she would. That sounds like a great plan. Then, the next time we speak on the phone, I want to hear all about your adventures.”

“I’ll tell you about them,” I say excitedly.

We stand from the table.

Nan opens her arms wide. “Come give your ole Nan a big hug.”

I wrap my arms around her waist and squeeze tight.

After we finish hugging, Nan bends down on her knees, so her face is right across from mine. “I’m going to tell you something that I told your father when he was your age, and I want you to always remember it, Loïc, okay?”

“Okay.”

“Life is one big adventure. You only get one life, so you have to make it count. You can’t sit around on your bum, waiting for joy to find you. We’re all born with the capacity to live incredible lives…but the trick is that you have to work for it. A magical life is within everyone’s grasp, but you have to make it happen for yourself. Everything that is worth having requires effort. Happiness will always be there for you, but it’s not free. Do you understand?”

“Um, I think so.”

Nan chuckles. “Well, I’ll keep reminding you until you do. Deal?”

“Deal.”

“Now, let’s go make you a super special submarine. Shall we?”

“Yes! After I’m done watching over the whales, maybe I can go on some other missions?”

“I think that sounds like a great idea,” Nan agrees with a smile.

London

“Somehow, our imperfections work seamlessly together to make our flaws into something more.”

—London Wright

I hold my phone up to my mouth. “What is the average temperature in Palo Alto in November?”

A handsome male Australian voice answers, “I’m sorry. I’m not quite sure I understand.”

“What’s the weather like in Palo Alto in November?” I say again more clearly.

“I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me?” my male Siri answers.

“Give me the weather in California, asshole.”

---