I didn’t wait for an answer. There was no one in the store, so he didn’t have to worry about any theft taking place.

I ran around the counter, out the door, and into the warm afternoon.

The air was filled with the sounds of hammers and saws.

I had no plan. I only wanted to see him and for him to see me.

I could barely make out what the Mayor’s voice was saying above the din of construction. He was explaining the parade route through the square and the order of the festivities. The group of men surrounding him were nodding, chatting, and laughing among themselves.

I wanted to get Thomas’s attention without anyone else noticing but it was impossible. I couldn’t wave like a child, making a scene, and embarrass him in front of everybody.

Finally, the Mayor made a sweeping gesture around the square, saying something about a marching band. Everyone in the group followed his gesture with their eyes. To my satisfaction, everyone continued following the Mayor’s gesture except for Thomas, who stopped when he saw me.

Our eyes met. His lips curled into a smile and he nodded in my direction. It was our own little moment amid the crowd.

I know it wasn’t much, but it was everything that I had been hoping for. That one look, that one nod, erased days of misery and boredom.

So, of course, it had to be slightly spoiled.

Among the group being led around by the Mayor was his daughter, Patricia Fleming.

My focus had been on Thomas and I hadn’t seen her. She had been lost in the crowd, but as they moved on, she stopped and was staring at me. She had only been a few feet away from Thomas and it was clear from her expression that she had seen the whole thing. She nodded at me in that condescending politeness that she has perfected.

So be it. Let her be jealous all she wants that I’m the center of Thomas’s attention.

I didn’t return her acknowledgment. Instead, I turned and walked back into the pharmacy, feeling lighter than air.

The rest of the day was spent watching an endless loop of the memory of his smile and that nod.

At one point, Father came out of the storeroom and asked me why I was humming. I wasn’t even aware that I was doing it.

I guess that is what it’s like when the sun smiles at you.

15

It’s cereal and toast for breakfast this morning. I don’t have the energy for anything else.