They didn’t find Mary for three long days. Even though I had activated the Find My Friends app on her phone, Point Park has terrible service. Rescuers searched Point Park, and the surrounding area, because that was where her sister left her, but the cell phone was no help. And, of course, more people than just Betsy had seen Mary and Cash at the park that day, including some high school kids. Betsy’s official story was that she and her sister had a fight during their hike and that Mary had jogged off alone, with Cash, heading up to the top of the point. Betsy felt terrible, but didn’t know anything else.

Or did she? What about that Bo creature, her tutor? Could he have been involved in this somehow? And how has she kept him from me until now? They couldn’t be a couple, not without me knowing about it. The tattoos must be a coincidence, that’s all. Or perhaps Betsy simply has a teenage crush. It happens all the time. They aren’t close enough to be confidants, that’s for sure.

I walk into the living room and assess the situation. I smile at my reflection. I look good. I am back in the world as planned, both in the day and the night. I have waited patiently to bring everything to fruition, and some things cannot be accomplished in the dark of night. I have now confirmed David is playing house with Kylie. Betsy is only focused on graduating, so we shall see what she comes up with after that. I feel good, a step ahead of them all.

I mean, if I impressed Sam with my hair and makeup done and a new outfit, and he’s just a twentysomething Lyft driver, imagine what the rest of the world will think. But I need to take it slowly. Thoughtfully. I realize a woman, a mom, doesn’t just shake off grief like an old blanket on a hot summer day. She emerges slowly, gracefully, a butterfly from a cocoon of her own making. Beautiful and ready to take flight.

My phone rings, a sound I hardly hear anymore. Caller ID tells me it’s someone from The Cove office. Interesting.

“Jane. Hey, it’s Hoffman, how are you?” The community’s recreation director is one of the most patient people I know. Kids love him, no matter the age. He organizes events for adults, too. I haven’t been to anything for over a year, of course, but I know Betsy has. Hoffman helps me keep tabs on her. He also handles the women’s tennis teams and all that drama, poor man.

“Hoffman. It’s nice to hear from you.”

“I didn’t get to speak to you last night at the ceremony. But it was beautiful. Mary will always be remembered by all of us.”

“Thank you. Can I help you with something?”