Page 81 of The Summer We Mended
She felt that there was more June wasn’t telling her, but she wouldn’t pry.She didn’t have the capacity for it, but she also felt like June would tell her when the time came, and she’d be ready for that.
That night, after stories and snuggles and the sound of tiny breaths fading into sleep, Anna returned to the beach.
This time, she brought a notebook.
Under the moon, she sat and began to write.
My love,
They found the jet.They know you ejected.I’m holding onto that like a lifeline.I picture you building a shelter, lighting a fire, surviving like I know you can.We’re okay here.The kids miss you.I watch the moon for both of us, keeping the shore in sight.Come home.Please come home.
She pulled out the piece of paper, folded the letter carefully and pressed it to her heart.The tide whispered its endless rhythm beside her as if it were playing a soundtrack for her.
She closed her eyes, breathed deeply, and whispered into the wind:
“I’m waiting.”
There wasn’t a lot she could do in this moment, but writing the letter, and speaking to him like he was right there, was the only thing that was keeping her sane.
ChapterThirty
Jess
Jess sat at the kitchen table, her laptop open and a steaming mug of coffee beside it.The early morning sun filtered through the open doors off the back patio.She sipped her coffee, eyes scanning the analytics dashboard of her latest social media post.
The solstice party was just a week away, and her promotional efforts were paying off.Engagement rates were soaring, with reels showcasing past events, behind-the-scenes preparations, and historical tidbits about the Vineyard’s traditions.Her inbox was flooded with messages from locals and tourists alike, all eager for more details.
“Mommy, can I help with the next video?”Maisie asked as she peeked over the edge of the table, her eyes wide with anticipation.
Jess smiled.“Of course, sweetheart.Your last dance in the fairy wings was a hit!”
Maisie giggled, twirling around the kitchen in her imaginary costume.Jess laughed.
Claudia entered the room and observed the scene with a raised eyebrow and a grin before she turned her attention to Jess’s laptop.“You’ve been at this since dawn, haven’t you?”
Jess nodded, her fingers still flying over the keyboard.“There’s just so much to coordinate.But it’s worth it.The community’s response has been incredible.”
Claudia leaned over to glance at the screen, her eyes scanning the colorful graphics and enthusiastic comments.“You’re really good at this, Jess.Have you considered offering your services to other businesses on the Vineyard?”
Jess paused, considering the idea.She had a Google document filled with notes and strategies for various local establishments, but she’d been so focused on the solstice party that she hadn’t pursued it further.
“I’ve thought about it,” she admitted.“But right now, I want to make sure this event is perfect.”
Claudia nodded approvingly.“Well, people are raving about your work.The fliers, the social media posts, everything.It’s bringing a fresh energy to the Vineyard.”
Jess felt a surge of pride.She’d always loved the island, and being able to contribute to its vibrancy meant the world to her.
Later that afternoon, Jess sat on the porch, her laptop balanced on her knees.Maisie played nearby, arranging flowers into makeshift crowns.Jess’s fingers danced over the keyboard, updating the event’s Facebook page with a new teaser video.
Maisie sat beside her, diligently coloring a flier mock-up with crayons.“Mommy, do you think people will like my rainbow sun?”she asked, holding up her artwork.
Jess smiled, taking a moment to admire her daughter’s creativity.“I think they’ll love it, sweetheart.Your rainbow sun is the perfect touch.”
“You’ve really outdone yourself this time,” Claudia remarked.“The buzz around the solstice party is incredible.Everyone’s talking about it.”
Jess felt a surge of pride.She had poured her heart into this project, blending her passion for social media with her love for the Vineyard’s traditions.The positive feedback from the community validated her efforts, fueling her motivation to make the event unforgettable.
As the day progressed, Jess continued to fine-tune the event’s online presence, responding to inquiries and sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of the preparations.Maisie remained her enthusiastic assistant, offering ideas and helping to arrange decorations.
