Page 125 of The Daredevil

We stood amongst pebbles and shells, listening to the gentle waves.

“Do you hear that?” I asked.

“Hear what?”

“The ocean is telling you to purge. Let it go.” I tapped his heart. “Empty your heart of pain and sorrow.The water will dissolve them, and you’ll feel better.”

“Is that your hypothesis?” He smiled, already looking better. The sadness in his eyes was now replaced by amusement. I’d take that.

“Yup.”

“Okay, angel. How do I purge?”

I didn’t know, but crafted a method on the spot referencing the idea he’d used to help me when I released the black feather. Bending down, I gathered up a handful of pebbles of various colors and offered him half.

Holding a pebble between my fingers, I said, “Think of this as a pain or sorrow you want to release. Then you toss it into the ocean. The ocean will wash it away and take it wherever it’s meant to go. Maybe it’ll go into some treasure chest waiting for treasure hunters to find. Maybe it’ll be used to build a home for some sea creature. It doesn’t matter. It’s being recycled, becoming useful for something or someone else.”

His smile stretched wide, and my heart leaped at the gorgeous face I was used to. “How did I get lucky enough to have such an intelligent and beautiful girlfriend?”

“Because I’m in love with every aspect of you.” I rose onto my toes and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. “You don’t have to state anything out loud. Just say it to yourself. The pebbles and the ocean will hear everything.”

Just as I had heard his painful cry when he sat in front of his parents, trying to absorb the shock and forgive them but not knowing how to do it.

I loved him with all my heart. He was there for me at every crooked turn, and I’d make sure I was present whenever he needed me. That was love. He was the landscape that expanded my horizon, allowing me to see the beauty in everything.

“I’ll start.” I waved the pebble in the air. Instead of purging, I made a wish. This pebble-tossing method worked either way.

Please give Royce the strength he needs to heal his heart.

My pebble sailed through the air, broke the surface of the glistening waters, and disappeared.

Royce chose a pebble and whipped it into the waters with a sidewinder. The pebble skipped along the surface, creating this beautiful pattern before disappearing into the water.

“Show off,” I teased.

He smiled and continued whipping pebbles and bigger rocks, making the ocean gleam even more.

CHAPTERSIXTY-NINE

ROYCE

A month later,I organized my comic books into a new bookcase with a glass door. The books never made it to the charity. Michelle had asked my mom to save them and delivered them to me a while ago, and I hadn’t had time to organize them until now. I’d taken extra time off from work to deal with family matters. My team could handle the load until I returned. Though I was on “vacation,” I still checked emails and updates, making sure everything ran smoothly.

I picked up an old Thor comic book that was probably worth a lot if I were to sell it now. What had I been thinking, wanting to donate it?

“This is your past. You loved it, and Thor gave you strength and hope even when you didn’t know it,” Michelle had said. “Don’t give them away. They’re yours to keep. The magic and power are still there.”

She knew me so well, and I loved her so much. I didn’t think it was possible, but my heart grew bigger to accommodate what I felt for her.

The past month had been an important pivotal point in my life. Everything changed, including my mindset. I’d always thought I’d been abandoned, and that conviction twisted certain beliefs. Love was one of the things I never believed in. But it saved me.

When I was done organizing the comic books, I was ready to move forward. Michelle and I headed to see Aunt Klara and Viktor.

Michelle sat beside me as I listened to their entire story. By the time they finished, I realized how much they’d sacrificed for my sister and me. My father didn’t abandon the family the way I thought he did. He dedicated his life to bringing my sister back. I couldn’t fault them for leaving me with my aunt, who wanted to help. I still considered her my mom too. She raised me, and I was grateful to her.

How could I blame Aunt Klara and Viktor when all they wanted was to complete the family? The realization lifted the heaviness that had hovered over me since I was a kid embarking on a new journey in a new country.

I discovered my sister’s ashes were sent out to sea long ago. Perhaps she and my aunt were the ones who made sure my wish bottle found Michelle. I’d like to think that they did that. I’d make a copy of the photo album so I could remember her again.

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