My mother’s mouth opens before she lets go of a deep sigh. “Sometimes I fail to see you as an adult. Maybe it’s my selfish worry that if you grow up, there won’t be a place for us in your life anymore.”

The tears that spill from her eyes don’t help with the expanding tightness in my throat.

“Mom, you and Dad will always be a major part of my life. I wouldn’t be able to survive without you.”

“I know.” She leans forward and squeezes my hand.

“How will you change Lukas’ mind?” Dad asks. “It won’t be easy for him to see beyond his fears.”

“I know what I have to do, but before that, he needs to see that I’m not giving up.”

43. Lukas

43

LUKAS

I stare at the ceiling, afraid to look anywhere else this morning, especially at my phone. It’s been two weeks since I received Autumn’s letters, and since then, there’s a new text from her every morning.

The first two days, I was taken by surprise, and now like a stupid prick, I’ve started looking forward to the little memes she sends me.

I finally give in to temptation and look at the picture of a giant tomato.

Autumn: I love you from my head…to-ma-toes.

Why is her saying that every morning slowly feeling like it’s real?

I shake my head, confused and irritated, before getting out of bed and marching straight to my kitchen.

When I turn the coffee pot on, there’s a small wicker basket with three packs of cookies from The Butterfly Inn and my favorite jam.

That’s another thing that’s been happening since last week. Things are magically appearing in my apartment and office. Things that are associated with Autumn in some way. But magically doesn’t mean I don’t know how they’re showing up. I just don’t know who’s doing the dirty work, exactly.

I have my doubts about Keith, but I wouldn’t be surprised if his whole family is behind this.

I try to ignore it for a few beats, busying myself in putting the coffee pod into the machine. Grabbing the cup of warm drink in hand, I’m about to turn around when, at the last minute, I grab a packet without seeing which one.

It doesn’t matter. She always sends my favorite.

I tear the plastic, and my heart rattles like crazy when a slip of paper like from a fortune cookie peeks out.

I pull it out.

“I love you because the entire universe conspired to help me find you.” —Paulo Coelho.

“Fuck, Autumn. Why don’t you understand?” I once again leave my coffee untouched and march toward my bedroom to get ready.