Page 99 of Free Fall

I’m almost out the door, boots in hand to lace up on the porch, when Sejin says, “You can tell everyone, Danny. IknowI love you.”

My throat goes tight, and my heart beats like a wild horse running in the valley. I should look back at him, but I don’t. I step out into the blue mist of morning, lace up my boots, and get in my camper van.

As I drive away, I whisper, “Doc, I know I love you too.”

I probably should have told him that to his face.

*

Sejin

“So, what didhe say exactly?” Leenie asks, cradling her cup of tea and gazing over to where Papa Bear has set up a new play area for kids off to the side of the parking lot.

It may or may not have been inspired by her son, and it might have been my idea. We set it up with some old railroad ties, a couple of low-to-the-ground slack ropes, some tires to jump inand out of, a few low hammocks, and a wooden teeter-totter that Gage put together for us.

Pete loves it because it keeps the kids out of the cafe proper, and it draws more families in who spend loads of money on snacks and sweets while they suck down their coffee and let their kids romp. So now he loves me too. I’ve been on his good side ever since the new play area went in.

And today I’m just here as a guest. I’m not working at all for a change. It’s kind of nice.

“Dad said, and I quote, ‘I’d like to come out to see you for Thanksgiving instead of you flying home.’”

“Wow, that’s…I know you might not see it this way, but, Sejin, that’s actually great. It’s the first time your dad’s shown interest in doing anything new since your mom passed.”

“I know, but maybe I should face the house without her. Face itallwithout her.”

“Your mom wouldn’t want you to be sad, Sejin. It doesn’t honor her to go back there and pick through her stuff and feel miserable. That’s what your dad’s been doing, so I’m relieved to hear that Uncle Buck is ready to do something adventurous.”

“What if he thinks hehas tocome out here? Because I won’t come home?”

“What if he wants to get the hell out of that house before the darkness of the holiday season and all its memories consume him?” Leenie counters.

“What if he comes out here and he doesn’t want to go back?”

“Whatif?” She lifts a pointed brow. “You’ve been running away from her death, just like he’s been wallowing in it. This is a good thing for both of you. Tell him to come. Tell him he can stay with me and Martin—”

“On the sofa?”

“We’ll have a blow-up bed by then.”

“He can stay at a hotel or an Airbnb.”

“Sejin…”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t overthink this. Just be your sunshiny self and let this happen. Don’t fight him. Tell him you’re excited he’s coming. Tell him you can’t wait to show him your new life and for him to meet your new friends.” She snarls slightly. “Even Dan, I guess.”

I chuckle. “You’re so hard on Dan.”

“He hasn’t shown me yet why I shouldn’t be.”

“Ah, Leenie, stop. He’s just not that kind of guy.”

“What? The good kind?”

I roll my eyes. “He’s definitely a good person. He’s just not charming…or personable. Or the kind of guy to have an office job or a regular income.”

“He must really blow your mind in other ways because I just don’t get it.”