Susan woke with her back stiff, as if her spine had been replaced with a steel rod. She took three aspirin and stretched her vertebrae, trying to regain movement in her arthritic joints. Barely able to touch her knees, let alone her toes, she vowed to never fall asleep in a chair again.

When the pain had been reduced to a dull ache, she made her way to the pigeon loft. Because she was late with their breakfast, most of the pigeons were already waddling around the feeding tray. Out of habit, she rapped on the grain barrel with a wooden spoon, then poured feed. She watched the pigeons peck and strut. Their talons scratched over the plywood floor. The cooing and familiar musty scent of the loft was comforting. But the temporary solace quickly faded when she thought of the indecipherable message inside her old tea tin—a ghost of the past, sealed like a genie. Perhaps Clover was right, she thought. Maybe I should hire a code breaker.

As she was refilling a water bowl, she heard a car engine. Pigeons fluttered. The sound of the automobile grew, then stopped. She stretched her back and grimaced. A car door squeaked open and shut. Stepping out of the loft, she saw a parked blue car. And a gray-haired man staring at the cottage.

The spring-hinged door banged behind her. “Hello,” Susan called.

The man turned.

Susan squinted, wishing she hadn’t left her glasses inside the cottage. “May I help you?”

He cleared his throat. “Susan.”

The sound of his voice jolted her. She froze, believing her ears must be failing, just like her knees.

He walked toward her.

Her legs remained planted, as if her feet had suddenly sprouted roots. As he stepped to her, his face slowly came into focus. Although his cheeks and forehead were heavily wrinkled, she recognized the dimpled chin. Caramel eyes, dulled from age. His once wavy brown hair now white and wispy. “Ollie?”

He nodded.

“Oh my God.”

He gazed into her eyes.

Her breath stalled in her chest. You’re alive! Part of her wanted to wrap her arms around him. Hug him. Squeeze him. But the shock of seeing him spawned a flurry of mixed emotions. Her mind raced. Why didn’t you come back? Where have you been? What happened? She stared at him, unable to speak.

He slowly reached his hand.

She stepped back. Her heart pounded with uncertainty. Is it really you?

Ollie lowered his arm and paused.

You survived but didn’t bother to contact me. Susan’s shoulders drooped as her joy turned sour.

“May I come in?” he asked.