She rejoined Gretchen and Caleb, and they ate dinner together in the living room like they never had. She told stories of the past, ones she knew would bring a smile to Gretchen’s face. Caleb laughed along at every story he was in and cared way more about his Legos when Jax told a tale without him. She was shocked by how little effort it took to keep the mood happy. She told Gretchen to stay put while she cleaned up and got Caleb ready for bed. When she walked back into the room, Gretchen was snoring on the couch.

Jax looked over Gretchen’s peaceful face, noting the lines around her eyes and the tightness at the corners of her mouth. She grabbed a nearby blanket and covered Gretchen. She leaned forward and kissed her forehead. Gretchen let out a small, contented sigh. Jax hoped that somewhere in her slumber, Gretchen knew she was still there.

She shut off the lights and started up the stairs. On her way to her room, Jax stopped in front of her old art studio. She felt frozen in place, like she had to go in or never move forward again. Jax knew exactly where to find her watercolors and the paper she’d need for a quick painting. All she would need was a cup of water. Before she could question herself, Jax grabbed the supplies and sat at her drafting table. She wet her brush, touched it to the most vibrant pink she had, and put it to the paper. The color spread hypnotically. Jax kept building upon one simple shape. Eyes, a small nose, and full cheeks came to life before her eyes. Her hand moved as if possessed with inspiration, a feeling she had missed almost as much as Gretchen’s love.

“Is that her?”

She jumped at Gretchen’s voice and turned to find her looking over her shoulder. She never heard Gretchen walk in the room. Jax turned back and looked at the child’s face staring back at her.

“That’s her.” She’d never forget Aurora’s face, no matter how small and heartbreaking. Her eyes filled with tears, and for the first time, Jax felt a little less pain. “She was so small, but still kinda chubby.” She heard Gretchen sniffle and knew better than to turn around. “What made you come up here?” she said as she started to wash out her brush, studying the way the water turned a darker shade of pink.

“I just wanted to say good night and thank you.”

“For what?”

“Tonight, for bringing dinner and for just, I don’t know.” Jax could hear the shyness in Gretchen’s voice. “Tonight felt really good.”