Violet
We pulled up to Paul's parents' house.
For a moment, I just stared at it.
I'd been here so many times over the years.
Holidays.
Birthdays.
Family dinners.
Now I was here to help plan Paul's funeral.
Naomi squeezed my hand before we got out.
When we knocked, Vanessa opened the door.
The second she saw me, both hands flew to her mouth.
"Oh, Violet."
Then she wrapped her arms around me.
"I'm so sorry, sweetie."
Vanessa cried against my shoulder.
I carefully rubbed her back.
"Don't be sorry, Vanessa."
She held onto me for another minute.
Maybe both of us needed it.
When she finally pulled away, she invited everyone inside.
Daniel was sitting in the living room with Paige.
walked over to Paul's dad first.
He stood.
I hugged him.
Daniel didn't say anything.
He did
