Page 77 of All Your Tomorrows

He shook his head.

“Is there something you know that you’re not telling me?”

He shook his head again. “I can see that your feelings for him are growing.”

“And what’s wrong with that?” I asked.

“I just don’t want you to be left with a broken heart,” he said.

“I know the risks. And Kyler’s worth it. Time spent with him is better than time spent without him,” I assured my father.

“I love you, Nora,” he said.

“And I loveyou,” I said.

“I only want what’s best for you.”

“Kyler’s what’s best for me. I feel it in every fiber of my being.”

He nodded. “What kind of father would I be if I didn’t look out for you?”

“The worst kind,” I said with a smile.

He smiled back. “I’ll see you soon.”

“I know.”

He dissipated right there like he always did. I just wished I wasn’t left with such a pit in my stomach this time.

* * *

Arriving at the Fletcher’s house in a red sweater dress with a platter of Christmas cookiesalmostfelt normal. If the guy beside me was visible to everyone but me, it would’ve been perfect. Mrs. Fletcher opened the door, smiling as soon as she saw me.

“Kyler wanted to spend Christmas Eve with you,” I explained. “I hope that’s okay.”

Her eyes filled with tears. “Oh, my goodness. Of course it’s okay.” She wrapped her arms around me and held me tightly as I struggled not to drop the cookies. She eventually released me and took the platter from my hands. “Come in. Come in.”

I followed her inside with Kyler beside me.

“We were just getting ready to eat.” We entered the dining room and I was surprised to see a full spread of food and Mr. Fletcher sitting there alone. He jumped up when he saw me, coming around to hug me. “Nora. What a nice surprise,” he said as he released me.

“Kyler wanted to spend Christmas Eve with you,” I explained.

Mr. Fletcher exchanged a sad look with his wife as she sat down at the table. I could see they were happy I’d come with their son, but having him so close and being unable to see him must’ve been gut-wrenching.

“Sit,” Mr. Fletcher said, gesturing to the other empty seat with the place setting. It broke me to know they’d set a place for Kyler even though he wouldn’t be able to join them.

As I sat, I looked to Kyler who slipped into the seat at the other end of the table. His parents looked to that seat too, though they couldn’t see him like I could.

“He’s sitting in that chair,” I explained. “With a content smile on his face.”

His mother wept softly, and his father reached over and rubbed a consoling hand over her back.

Most awkward dinner ever.

“Wow. This is a lot of food,” I observed, taking in the excessive spread and trying to change the vibe in the room. “Were you expecting more guests?”

Mrs. Fletcher shook her head. “Just a tradition.”

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