Page 102 of Fun and Games

"Maybe I could tag along on those adventures once in a while?" Mason asked.

"Of course," I said.

Mason slowed down and pulled into a shaded parking lot. I unbuckled and got out, being careful not to jostle the box in my hand. Mason hooked Lucky's leash onto his collar as the puppy leaped out of the car.

Mason and I linked our free hands and walked together side by side. I knew where I was going. He followed my lead.

We wandered down a stony path lined with trees, taking a winding route. The fresh air filled my nose as I inhaled deeply. I thought maybe I'd be filled with dread or hesitance, but I wasn't. I felt content. I felt resolute.

I finally stopped and tugged on Mason's hand. We stood in front of a granite plaque laid flat on the grass with a simple inscription that read:Loved by many.

David's gravesite.

I stared down at the fresh grass. Mason was silent, giving me space.

"Thank you for coming here with me," I told him. "It means a lot."

Mason squeezed my hand.

I took a step forward and knelt down. I put the box to the side. Mason handed me a small shovel. I began digging a shallow hole next to the plaque.

When it was large enough, I took the memento box and placed it in the hole. I put my hand on the lid, one last time.

"Hi David," I whispered. "I just want you to know, I'm embracing life like you told me to. I've found love again." I looked to Mason, smiled, then turned back to the plaque. "I lost you," I continued. "I've accepted that. I'm moving forward now because of what you taught me."

I began filling the hole with the upturned dirt and patted it flat.

"I'll never forget you," I said.

I stood back up. Mason took my hand, not caring that it was covered in dark soil.

We fell quiet again.

The wind whistled through the trees. A car honked in the distance. A bird chirped.

A sense of peace radiated from my chest.

I smiled up at Mason. I squeezed his hand.

"Let's take Lucky for a walk," I suggested.

I turned away from the gravesite without looking back. Lucky bounced ahead in front of us, nose to the ground, investigating all the new smells. We continued down the winding, stony path, not aiming for any one destination in particular.

"So when do I get to meet this sister of yours?" Mason said, breaking the silence.

"I told her we'd be heading to her place for lunch," I replied. "She's eager to meet you."

"You mean eager to give me the third degree?" he asked.

"That, too," I said. "But mostly she wants to meet the guy I'm crazy about."

Mason put an arm around my waist, bringing me in close to his side.

"You know I'm crazy about you too, right?" he said.

"You'd have to be crazy, to voluntarily sit through my terrible renditions of Disney songs so often," I said.

"It's a price I'm willing to pay," he said. "We've gotten through almost all of them, though. We're going to run out soon."