“Amy, it isn’t, because I’m your mother and I’m telling you that it isn’t! You are the most precious thing in the world to me. I love you. I’d do anything for you. You know that. But there’s no way I’m letting you come with me.” The boat continued to lurch this way and that. “I know you’re hurting, and I know this isn’t what you expected your life to be, one without me in it, but you can’t let that stop you from going home. You’re strong enough to do this. I believe in you, Amy.”

Amy raised her head and wiped her tears. Clutching the pendant around her neck, she remembered what Ryan had told her up in his attic; the story of his two rocks, and the memory of his words, gave her a glimmer of hope, enough to make her believe she could do this, that she had the strength she needed to say goodbye to her mother—the courage she needed to return home.

“All right, Mom. I’ll do it, I’ll try.”

“That’s my girl.”

Amy glanced sideways and saw the ocean heaving beneath her like some ravenous monster.

“This will all be over soon,” her mother said. “All you need to do is dive in and swim to the bottom. Before you know it, you’ll be home.”

“I love you so much, Mom.”

“I love you too, sweetheart.”

“Promise you’ll be watching over me.”

“Always.” She leaned forward and placed both hands on Amy’s shoulders, steadying her against the waves, which were intensifying by the second, rocking the boat more violently than ever. “I’m so proud of you. I probably never told you that enough when you were growing up, but truly, I am. You’re not my little girl anymore. You’re a strong, confident young woman, and you’ve got your whole future ahead of you. Never take a single day for granted. Always be true to yourself, experience the world and discover what makes you happy, and never, ever be scared to follow your heart. Life won’t always be easy, sweetheart, but just remember that all the strength and courage you could ever need is right here.” Her mother placed her hand on Amy’s chest. “And that’s where you’ll find me—all you need to do is think of me and I’ll be there.”

“Oh, Mom, I’m going to miss you!”

Amy leaned in and put her arms around her mother and hugged her for the very last time. As they embraced, the snow began to fall thicker and faster; the sky and the sea were fading to white. Their skin shimmered, turning translucent. The boat, their bodies—they were all starting to glow.