Matt’s bedroom had two windows. The side window was too high, so Jorden crept up to his back window. The window pane had been pulled halfway up. She jumped up but couldn’t reach the windowsill. Frustrated, she searched for pebbles. Close to the foundation, moonlight reflected off a pile of rocks. Those were too large. A couple steps to the right she found smaller stones, ones able to wake him without breaking the window.

Jorden stepped back and pitched a single pebble. It hit the wall. She aimed higher. The second pebble hit the upper glass pane.

“Matt, are you there?” No answer. She hurled several more pebbles. Still no response.

Jorden was ready to leave when she spotted a sawhorse in the shadows among other construction materials close to the house. Dragging it under the window, she steadied two of the legs against the back of the house and climbed on. She placed her hands against the house and grasped onto the window’s ledge. Now she could see in, but she couldn’t see Matt. Standing on her toes she tried to get a better view.

Matt stepped into his bedroom. Startled, Jorden almost lost her balance. She called out, “Matt . . . over here. Help me!”

Matt abruptly stopped. He turned toward the window.

“It’s me. Jorden.”

Dazed, Matt stumbled to the window. He appeared to do a double take. “What are you doing here?” His eyes widened. “Is this for real?”

Jorden could see him trying to focus on her. The unsteady sawhorse rocked backward again. “Help me . . . I’m losing my balance . . . give me your hand!” Jorden leaned forward with her right hand stretched out while holding tightly to the windowsill with her other hand.

Matt pushed up the window, grabbed her hand, and yanked her up and forward. They flew backward and ended up on his bedroom floor. Matt started to laugh.

“What’s so funny?” Jorden couldn’t help but laugh herself as she lay on top of him.

“Unbelievable! This is the first time a woman ever visited me through my window.” Matt howled.

A whiff of his breath overwhelmed her. “Are you drunk?”

“If I am, it’s your fault. Serves you right for leaving me!” Matt rolled over and away from Jorden.

She sat up. “You look awful! You haven’t even shaved.”

“You don’t always bring out the best in me. I’ve been smoking cigars, drinking, and feeling sorry for myself.” Matt struggled to his feet. “Here, give me your hand.” Reaching down, he helped Jorden up. “I must smell awful. Don’t go away, I’ll be right back.” He staggered to the bathroom.

Jorden stood there, gazing at his familiar bedroom—she missed it.