Page 243 of If By Chance

Something good: He had a recital. He performed a song from the books you sent.

Chapter Forty-Nine

June

Me:Checking in…Currently writing to you from the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Something good: Amy is here. She is trying to rope me into a crazy idea, and I think we’re going to do it.

Jake:Whatever Amy is trying to get you to do…do it.

Something good: Some women at the shelter graduated today.

Chapter Fifty

July

Me:Checking in…It’s too hot. I think I’m dying. Give Jay-Jay a hug.

Something good: Some kids in the study are putting on a concert tonight. Oh, and Gelato in Rome.

Jake:I see you’re still as dramatic as ever. Enjoy the concert.

Chapter Fifty-One

August

Me:Checking in…I’m high as a kite in Amsterdam. I’m going to get fired.

I didn’t get your something good last month. I hope you found one.

Something good: Sweet waffles with ice-cream…and colors. There are so many colors. Who knew?

Jake:I have no words.

Something good: Knowing you’re laughing for no reason.

Chapter Fifty-Two

September

Me:Checking in…Happy Birthday to Jay-Jay.

They’re extending the study. I don’t know for how long, but I think I’m going to stay and see it out.

Maybe we need to stop checking in now because I still miss you too much and it’s not fair to either of us.

Jake:Of course you’re going to stay. You’re doing amazing.

Keep smiling, Trouble.

Something good: It was still real.

Chapter Fifty-Three

Four months later

“Ican’t believe we’re doing this.” I crane my neck to look at the three-storey building.