“How about this spot?” Natalie said, trying to catch her breath. She parked the chair next to a bench and set the brakes.

“Lovely,” he said. “When I was a lad coming up, this was called Solari Hill. A farmer named Solari used to graze his cattle here. The grass was so abundant, waving in the breeze.” Shading his eyes, he scanned the skyline. “How this view has changed.”

“It’s still quite a view, isn’t it?” Deep autumn gold swept the panorama of Market Street and Sutro Tower, distant Twin Peaks and Diamond Heights. Natalie sat down on the bench and took a long swig from the water bottle she’d wisely brought in a hamper with the birthday cupcakes. With a deep breath, she patted his hand, taking in her surroundings. “It’s so nice here,” she said. “I’m glad we came.”

“I’m impressed that you made it up the hill. I hate being a burden.”

“Stop it. Never say you’re a burden. Ever.”

“You changed your life completely for my sake,” he said. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed.”

“I needed a change, Grandy. My life up in Archangel was all about a job I didn’t much care for. Coming back here … I love this city. I’d forgotten how much I love it. This is the only place that really feels like home to me. Being back has been good for my soul. I hope it’s good for us both. I’ve missed you.”

She was not just saying that. She was finally remembering who she once was and what she loved, and it was more than a geographical change. She had come home to that person, the one who still remembered how to find something to feel hopeful about—her grandfather’s smile and the way his scarf fluttered in the wind. Kids and dogs playing in the park. The view from this small hilltop.

“I’ve missed your smile,” he said. “You should show it off more frequently.”

“I’d been feeling as if it was somehow disloyal to Mom to be happy,” she said. “I can’t do that anymore. I’m through feeling guilty for being happy, Grandy.”

He said nothing for a moment. His somber expression didn’t change. Natalie started to worry that she’d offended him.

“Grandy, I swear, I miss her so much, but I just can’t—”

He held up one hand to silence her. “Natalie. Natty-girl.”

“What?”

“I simply wanted to tell you that this is the best thing you could have given me for my birthday. To know you’re able to be happy is all I need right now.”

She felt a lump in her throat.

“Yeah?”

“Yes.”