Page 137 of Burn Falls

“Why are we doing it now then?”

Calla’s gaze flicked to mine, and I returned my attention back to the road just as I was pulling into the cemetery. “Because my daddy didn’t get to open his last year, so we’re doing it now.”

“But he’s dead.”

“He is,” Calla agreed, “but Grandma wants to do it, and that means we have to do it.”

“Fine.” Luna rolled her eyes. I wasn’t sure if I wanted her aging to speed up or slow down because I never wanted her to truly grow up.

After hugs were exchanged, Calla and her family sat in chairs that were in the shape of a half-moon in front of Miles’s tombstone. A canopy was overhead so they wouldn’t get snowed on, and a wooden platform had been placed down so the presents wouldn’t get wet. I held Luna in my arms as we watched them open each gift.

There was one more present left.

“It’s for you, Mom,” Calla said, handing her the wrapped gift.

Shauna took it, and after reading the label, she said, “It’s from your father.”

Calla nodded, and we watched as Shauna tore open the paper. She opened the box and pulled out a watch. From where I stood, I could read the back when she flipped it over. Inscribed was the sentence:I promise to love you until my last breath.

Little did Miles know that his last breath would be my beginning.

The End.