One Little Chance (Sweet River)

Chapter 11

DECEMBER 23RD, 2023

M y doorbell rings, I’m wrapped up in a special satin robe gifted to me for today. I skip from my spot in the bathroom stationed in front of my skincare products lined up.

“A special delivery?” Mom asks with a twinkle in her eyes, joining me on my trip toward the door. We race toward it squealing together.

I feel giddy, light, as I open the door to the cold winter air. No one is standing there, but instead, a tiny silver box with a red bow is waiting on the doorstep. I pick it up. I can smell the snow on the ground mingling with my fresh pine Christmas wreath as I start to eagerly undo the bow.

“Come inside to the warmth,” Mom giggles as she pulls me into the house, closing the door behind me.

I remove the bow, then lift the lid to find a shiny gold locket inside. I scoop the locket up, dangling it from my fingers. I knew this locket. The feel of it was familiar to me. It used to hold a picture of Herb inside when it hung from Nana Silk’s neck. I open the two sides of the locket, to find it now holds a picture of Jordan and me, dressed up for our pretend wedding as little kids.

Tears drop from my eyes, one by one. I hold the locket close to my chest, knowing everything this gift meant, not only for the two of us, but for his family. In that moment, with all our twists and turns, I wouldn’t change a word of our story.