The Summer List by Ginger Walls

Author:Ginger Walls [Walls, Ginger]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-12-01T06:00:00+00:00

13

mackenzie

As soon as Nate slipped his hand in mine, the vision came. It was a split second, but I saw us. We were about six or seven. Natalie was there too. The three of us ran down the dock until we got to the end. With little hesitation, Nate and Natalie each grabbed one of my hands. Then we leaped into the water.

This memory is like a favorite song. I play it in my mind all day. Each time I was trying to recall a new detail. The color of my bathing suit. Purple with white polka dots. The way Nat had her hair. Dutch braids. The person standing behind us as we ran. My mom.

I've fought the memories for so long. It feels weird to let one of them sneak back in finally.

I'm still avoiding the mountain of boxes in the living room. This morning Nate told me to open them. He thinks I should just do it without thinking about it.

I can’t. It’s pandora's box. I don't know what's in them. And even more concerning, I don't know how it will all make me feel.

I’m not ready to feel any of it right now.

Right now, ignoring the inevitable and staying outside seems like the better option. The heat is close to unbearable at times, but it's nothing a cheap box fan can't fix.

The view makes it all worth it. I figured out if I angle myself just right, I can almost see to the back of the garage. I’m not spying on Nate. I’m making sure he doesn’t do anything to mess up my garage. Technically I’m protecting my property.

I lift my book to where my eyes skim over the top as Nate comes into my peripheral view. He is fiddling around with the exhaust. I assume he wants to remove it. I have no idea. I don’t care. I can’t see past his forearms. They flex and strain as he cranks the wrench around. It is hypnotizing.

Crank. Twist. Grunt. Pull.

Crank. Twist. Grunt. Pull.

My mouth has gone dry, and I’m desperate for some water.

He eventually gives up and disappears to the recess of the garage just beyond my view. I drop my book on the table, disappointed the show is over. I need to go inside and quench this thirst. If I don’t, then I will go into the garage and talk to him. I promised myself I wouldn’t.

I gave him so much shit about hovering over me. I’ll be damned if I’m going to do it to him. He’s not here for me anyways. He’s here because his truck is here. It’s all part of the agreement. I chant to myself.

I chew on my thumbnail as I stare at the garage door. My mind is daring my body to open it and see what’s happening on the other side.

The garage door flies open and startles me out of my thoughts.

“Ahhh!” I scream like a clown just popped out of the garage or something. I hate clowns.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you.

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