Page 37 of On the Mountain

I kept myself busy by going through the box of my mom’s things, despite knowing by heart what was inside: Letters she used to write me sometimes, like she knew I would lose her and would need a reminder of how much she loved me. A bracelet and a necklace that weren’t worth anything, but she’d worn the necklace and had given me the bracelet as a gift. Photos, an old deck of cards we used to play games with, a barrette she used to wear in her hair. I went through every single thing, remembering her and so thankful to Crow for getting this for me.

I wished she could have met him. She would have understood him too, even if most people didn’t. She would have accepted him right away because she knew what it was like to be looked down on by others.

When I finished, I placed everything in the box again, then looked through the bags—more of my mental health meds, some clothes, my journal where I documented my mood swings.

I went to my bedroom—I figured it was mine now—though I would’ve rather been in his. I folded the clothes and put them in the dresser, finding places to put everything away. I wondered why he had this room at all, why he had extra when it had only been him, but I liked that Crow had at least been in a house that felt like more people lived in it. Maybe it had kept him from feeling as lonely.

Then I wondered what I was doing, why I was moving myself in with this man I hardly knew, but it felt right in ways nothing in my life ever had.

I went back to the kitchen and cleaned the counters and swept. How long would Crow be gone? What in the hell was he doing?

I read for a while, and then when it was late enough, called work and quit my job. It was a dick move, not giving them notice, which I hated, but at this point, I didn’t have a choice. I was already up here with Crow, and who knew when the weather would get bad.

After that, I called Melody. I owed her for last night.

“Hey,” she answered, sounding sleepy. “Are you okay?”

“Yes. I’m good. Maybe better than I’ve ever been.”

“And you’re staying up there…with him?”

“He’s a good man,” I snapped, feeling the need to defend him.

“Whoa. I’m not saying he’s not. I just don’t know him, and he’s never ever gotten to know anyone in town, so it surprised me that you’re suddenly moving in with him. It’s unexpected. I’ve always felt bad for him, though. I’ve tried to talk to him a few times, but he wasn’t having anything to do with me.”

I chuckled. That definitely sounded like Crow. “He came into the coffeehouse?”

“No. Not once. I don’t think he’s gone to any place like that, but I’ve seen him around. What can I do for you, though? Is there any way I can help?”

My heart swelled. She was…offering to help me? I hardly knew this woman. She’d traded numbers with me, told me more than once that she wanted to hang out, and I always denied her, yet she’d been there for us last night, and she was helping me again today. “You’re great, Melody. I didn’t give you a fair chance before, and I’m sorry for that.”

“No, you didn’t, but something tells me you’ve been hurt more times than you haven’t. Just be good to me from now on.”

God, I really liked her, and when I went down the mountain again, I wanted to hang out with her. “Deal. I’ll buy you lunch when the snow starts to melt.”

“I’ll hold you to that. Now, is there any way I can help?”

“I’m probably going to lose my apartment. I can’t afford to keep paying, but I’m not jumping the gun on that. My biggest worry is my car. It’s a piece of shit, but it’s mine. I don’t know that I can come down to sell it or store it or anything…”

“Is there a key in your apartment? I can keep your car at my place. I have room in my garage.”

I exhaled deeply. “God, you’re a lifesaver. I’m terrible at keeping track of things. I lose my keys all the time, so there’s a key hidden outside the apartment, and then there’s a car key inside.”

“Perfect.”

I told her where everything was, and then we chatted for a bit, until Melody said, “I hate to end this call, but I have an afternoon date.”

“Wow. That’s exciting.”

“Her name is Isabelle. Who knows if it will go anywhere, but I’ll keep you posted.”

I hoped she would. I wanted Melody to meet someone. “Thank you again. I appreciate your help.”

“What are friends for? Let me know if you need anything else, and…I know we talked about this before, but keep in touch. Just so I know everything is okay.”

My chest warmed that she cared. “I will, but I’ll be okay. Crow wouldn’t hurt me.”

“Good.”