Nineteen Letters by J. L. Perry

Author:J. L. Perry [Perry, J. L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: J. L.Perry
Published: 2024-09-02T00:00:00+00:00

“Let me take those,” I say to Christine as we unload the shopping bags from the taxi.

We had an enjoyable morning together. After we shopped, we had lunch at a cafe, where I ordered caramel syrup in my coffee. I feel like we need to do normal things like this. Christine has helped me start to live again, and I want to help her do the same.

Christine checks the mailbox as I walk towards the house and place the groceries down on the front porch. “I must get you a key cut for the front door,” she says, climbing the stairs.

“I’d like that.”

It would be nice to come and go as I please. Now that my rehab is only a couple of days a week, I have so much spare time on my hands. I no longer have a job, and with no memory of my design skills or tastes, there’s no way I could go back to doing that. Maybe I should think about finding a new career.

Christine unlocks the door, and I gather the grocery bags and carry them into the kitchen.

“This came for you,” she says, passing me a letter and a small parcel. My pulse quickens. They’re from Braxton.

I place them down beside me and quickly unpack the groceries, eager to get this done so I can read my letter.

“Let me do that,” Christine says. “Go.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

I slide my arms around her waist, hugging her tight. “Thank you for today … it was nice.”

“It was just like old times,” she replies with a smile.

Letter eight …

Dearest Jemma,

The twenty-fourth of December 2004. The ice-cream parlour was closed over the Christmas period, so I was looking forward to spending the next two days with you. You’d worked almost every day of the school holidays leading up to Christmas, and I was missing you so much. I spent a lot of time at the hardware store with my dad. He didn’t expect me to be there, but I was happy to help him and, to be honest, I was completely lost without you around.

Your shift finished at 4 pm, so I made sure I left the hardware store in plenty of time to pick you up. I did this every day, and we’d catch the bus home together. It was summer, so the ice-cream business was booming and you were run off your feet. You always looked so tired when I’d collect you from work, which I hated, but the way your face would light up as soon as you saw me melted my heart.

“Promise me you won’t leave my side for the next two days,” you said once we’d taken our seats on the bus. “I’ve missed you so much.”

“I’ve missed you too.” If only you knew how much.

“Promise me, Braxton.”

“I promise I won’t leave your side.” I used my fingertip to cross my heart for added effect. “Except when I go to the bathroom, of course. Unless you insist on coming in there with me as well.

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