There was music coming from the speakers in the trees, playing instrumental Styx songs—my Nana’s favorite band.
The whole affair was festive and welcoming. I hugged myself and bit my lip to prevent an emotional breakdown. It was a blending of my two families, and it touched me deeply.
For the next hour, it was a blur of introductions and chatter. I don’t know if I’d ever been so happy.
I realized that Gran had wandered away from us and I finally spotted her. Granana, in all her material-girl glory, was standing with Cleobella, dressed in her own sparkly party attire. The two of them were having a dramatic sign language conversation!
“Nana, since when does Gran know sign language?” I asked.
Nana looked over at her mother with pride. “Oh! She’s been taking classes over at the senior center. I’m sure she’s thrilled to be using her skills.”
Luna was in her element—coming from a large family who gathered often, she felt immediately at home. I enjoyed introducing her to everyone, and they chatted with her as if she was an old friend.
I was standing with Nana when my father came over. I tensed in anticipation. She had not spoken to him since he disappeared on the day of my birth. Grandmother had explained that she’d told them the entire story. She had explained that Leonard had not left of his own accord and that he had suffered greatly from it. He approached us hesitantly.
Nana stepped forward and embraced him in a long, heartfelt hug. “Oh, Leonard. How you must have suffered.” He embraced her in return. The two of them wandered off away from the group and sat on a bench near the gardens. She was holding his hand, and they were talking intently. I knew that feeling, having connected with him after a lifetime. It was beautiful to see.
Dinner was a lively event. The expansive buffet of food was amazing. The dessert table was filled with every possible choice of sweets, which Gran loved. I saw her with a plate covered from end to end. The family was warm and kind. It was more than I could have ever hoped for.
It was much too soon when I realized the evening was coming to a close. I gathered up Nana, Gran, and Luna. They said goodbye to the group, and there were hugs all around.
The four of us were subdued as we followed Grandmother upstairs to the guest room. She said she would be back to escort us upstairs.
I sat in a daze while my little family gathered up their belongings. Gran removed her lace gloves and exchanged her fancy party clothes for her denim traveling outfit.
I was grateful for this time with them, I really, truly was. But now that it was nearly over, I felt a deep, overwhelming sadness wash over me. My stomach was in knots and I was finding it hard to swallow. The tears threatened, but I fought to keep them at bay. Sobbing hysterically would not be a good parting view.
Nana came to my side and gave me a kiss on the head and a hug. “This has been an amazing day, honey. It’s been so good to see you, and lovely to meet the Caldwells. They are a wonderful bunch of people, and they seem to care deeply about you. I feel good about having you here with them.”
“Thank you, Nana. I’m going to miss you so much.” I wiped away a tear that had escaped.
Gran joined us. “You’ve got quite the family here, sweetie,” she said. “They love you. I can tell.”
Luna entered our little circle and took my hands. “I’m happy for you, my friend. I’ll miss you, but now I know where you are, so I can picture it. You keep sending those e-mails and texts. We’ll video chat, and use the mirror whenever it allows us.”
I smiled at my friend’s quick understanding of this odd place. “I’ll work to set up more visits. I don’t know how yet. But I will. I promise.” I meant it too. It would be my goal to find a way to have regular visits with them.
There was a soft knock on the door. It was time. We walked down the hall and up the stairs to the attic, all holding each other. Grandmother followed at a respectful distance, allowing us our sorrow. No one spoke.
Finally, they stood in front of the mirror. Three of the most important people in my life. Pieces of my heart leaving me. I wanted to grab them away and tell them not to leave. I remembered Grandmother’s warning. This was a mysterious, magical event, and they had no choice but to return at midnight, which was now.
A bright light flashed, and then they were gone. I collapsed into the chair and sobbed until I could barely breathe. Until there were no more tears left.
40
I entered my bedroom as quietly as possible, not wanting to disturb the sleeping cats. I wouldn’t be able to talk to anyone right now, even Latifa. I crept into the closet and changed out of my party clothes, slipping into yoga pants and a tee. A session in my tranquil yoga room might help me find my center so I could sleep.
I spotted the box in the corner. Since the murder case was now closed, Jaxson had asked if I wanted it back, and I did. They had taken the originals of the lists of names and other documents pertinent to the ongoing investigation, and kindly left me copies. I thought I’d look through them now and find my mother’s signatures. All the hellos and goodbyes
