I collect the dirty clothes from my room and then head to Caitlyn’s room.

I open the closet and grab the clothes basket. I’m about to close the door but instead, I stare at the empty space under the hanging clothes, imagining a little girl hiding there, smiling up at me.

“So, this is where you hang out, huh?” My frustration suddenly spills out. “You know what? I’d really appreciate it if you left my daughter alone and not get her into trouble at school. And while you’re at it, leave my wife out of it. It’s bad enough Caitlyn thinks you’re real, but telling her that you speak to her dead mother? What sort of friend does that? And I don’t give a damn if you’re sorry.”

Silence.

I’m standing here, berating an empty closet, like an idiot.

Basket in hand, I close the closet door, and began walking to the—

Clink.

I stop.

It came from inside the closet, like a coin dropping onto the floor.

I turn back and wait.

Nothing.

Putting the basket down, I go back and slowly open the closet door.

There, sitting on the floor of the closet in a small puddle of water and flecked in mud, like it’s just been pulled from the bottom of the lake, is Nicole’s wedding ring.

July 28th, 1900

I’m lying in bed.

I don’t know what to write … or even if I should write.

It had been weeks since I’d heard from him. Days of sitting and waiting. Carol hasn’t returned. I asked Father about her and he said that she sent a telegram that said she was staying in Philadelphia for a few more days. I think he’s lying. There was no telegram. He doesn’t know where she is or when she’s coming back. He’s quieter and continues to drink.

Mr. Carrington’s promise that he would send for me when Mrs. Carrington was gone was the only thing sustaining me.

So, this morning, I nearly sprang over the counter when the courier arrived. I tore open the letter. Mr. Carrington had made good on his promise.

I went about putting the items on the very short list together. I was about to head through the storeroom to the bicycle in the alley, when Father called out to remind me to have Mr. Carrington pay his account. In fact, he insisted upon it. I guess it has come to that. Father needed him to pay his account, now, no matter how small the balance. I took some change from the drawer.