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We drifted apart and when we saw each other the following summer, we were both embarrassed by it, fumbling for excuses. Toward the end of my school year. I did meet a very nice young man from London. His father was a member of Parliament and because of that. I got to see many royal events I would never have experienced.

However, our relationship thinned when I left to spend the summer at home. He met someone new and was practically engaged the next time I saw him. I didn't feel bad. I felt it was meant to be. No promises. No heartbreaks. No tears.

I was able to return early enough the following year to go with everyone to Harley's college graduation. He had done very well and won some awards in architecture. The result was he landed a job with a prestigious firm in Richmond. He seemed to have grown taller, firmer, far more mature. Uncle Roy was very proud, and they were truly like father and son. We were all proud.

Late July of that year. Mommy became very sick with another one of her infections. She nearly died. It seemed to age Daddy. It drove home in more dramatic and vivid terms just how fragile she had become and how easily Death could come sauntering by and pluck her out of our home. If he was a nervous Nelly before. he was twice one now, and she bawled him out often for it.

"I'm not going anywhere so soon. Austin." she assured him. "so stop treating me like thin china. Go to work,"

Finally, he backed off.

Mommy and I spent our afternoons as usual, reading. talking. just enjoying the lake, the birds and the soft breeze whenever it came. I was taking a summer class in French literature, and we often talked about the books. She had read most of them, but reread them with me.

I had a few dates with some boys I met at summer school, but nothing came of any of that. I couldn't help wondering what would really become of me.

In mid-August we received word from Grandmother Megan that Aunt Alison had eloped with a stockbroker who worked on Wall Street. He had gotten her a job in a major hotel in their business department, and they had a very nice apartment on the East Side of Manhattan. One weekend she appeared with him. His name was Brad Richards and he seemed remarkably substantial and down-to-earth for someone Aunt Alison would choose.

"Maybe she's finally growing up." Mommy said afterward, "Maybe she's just tired and a

fraid."

We're all afraid. I thought. Deep down inside ourselves, no matter how successful we are or how brave we seem, we're all re ally afraid.

I had decided to finish my schooling in the States and had transferred to the University of Virginia. A week before I was to go. Harley appeared. He hadn't been home for some time. Uncle Roy had gone to see him a few times and always had nice things to report.

Harley drove up in a late-model car. He looked prosperous, successful and so grown up and

established. I almost didn't recognize him. I was down at the lake, sitting in a beach chair. reading. Mommy had gone in with Mrs. Geary and Daddy was at his office.

The sky was partly cloudy and there was a very nice breeze. It was one of those especially pleasant days I had learned to value deeply. I heard Harley's car. but I didn't know it was he. He stopped in front of my house and got out. He waved and I realized who it was and waved back. Then he walked down to me and we hugged hello. He was dressed in a sports jacket and slacks, but he sat on the grass and looked out at the lake.

"How have you been?" I asked.

"Busy.Im building a mall in Richmond."

"Wow."

"I hardly have enough time to eat these days," he said.

"But you're enjoying every moment. right?"

"Every moment." he said smiling. "Well, almost." he added after a beat.

"Oh?"

"All work and no play makes Harley a dull boy."

"Don't you play?"

"Not enough, not these days. I woke up this morning and stared at the ceiling and thought, look at me. I'm chasing the great American dream."

"So? What's wrong with that?"

"Nothing," he said. He plucked a blade of grass. "A long time ago, it seems, you and I stood by this lake and made a wish neither of us revealed. Remember?"

"Yes."

"We've traveled a long, winding road. At least I have, and here I am, back at the spot." he said looking around.