Page 192

When we pull through the iron gates, I hear Annie’s breath catch slightly. She turns to me, her blue eyes filled with understanding.
Robbie looks up at the entrance, reading the sign as we pass. “Where are we?”
I nod. “A cemetery.”
He frowns slightly. “Ce-me-tery?” He sounds out the word.”
I park the car and turn to face him. “Yeah. We’re here to visit the place where your mom is buried.”
Silence.
Robbie blinks, processing my words.
“My mom?” he asks softly.
I nod. “Yeah.”
“Why?”
Because I’m finally ready.
Because I’m done avoiding this part of my life.
Because it’s time.
Instead of saying all of that, I just say, “I think it’s important for you to seethis place.”
Robbie nods slowly, his expression unreadable.
Annie reaches back, resting her hand gently on his knee. He looks at her, then back at me, and finally nods again. “Okay.”
We step out of the car, the air cool and crisp. The cemetery is quiet, only the rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds filling the space between us.
I lead the way, my feet knowing the path even though it’s been too long since I last walked it. Annie stays beside Robbie, her hand resting lightly on his shoulder.
When we reach the headstone, I stop.
ROBIN WAGNER
Beloved wife. Cherished mother.
I swallow hard, my throat tight.
Robbie steps forward, staring at the name carved into the stone. His small fingers brush against the lettering, tracing the letters slowly.
“This is her?” he asks, his voice quiet.
“Yeah,” I say, my voice thick. “This is her.”
Annie stands beside me, silent, giving Robbie the space he needs.
After a moment, Robbie turns to me. “Can I talk to her?”
I feel my chest tighten, my heart clenchingpainfully. I nod. “Of course.”
He kneels in front of the headstone, his little hands resting on his knees. Annie and I step back, giving him privacy.
I don’t know what he says. I don’t need to.