by E. A. Copen
Maybe that was why Lydia and I had agreed to meet there. Every Friday evening like clockwork, she’d call me after school and race down to that same spot to wait for me. We’d sit for hours on the bench and chat if the weather was nice. If it was raining or cold, we’d duck under the bridge and make up stories about the people we saw. We did that every Friday from the time she was eight until she got sick. No matter how life separated us, we always had those Friday afternoons on the riverfront. That Friday would be our last.
I passed Remy to Emma and drew Lydia’s soul out, cradling it in my hands. It looked so small, barely any larger than a firefly. “Hey, kid. I don’t know if you can hear me or not, but I figured this would be the right spot. You always did love it down here. I messed up a lot of things, you know, but I wanted to do this one thing right. I hope you find some peace, Lydia. Love you, sis.”
With a gentle breath, I propelled the soul from my fingers. It floated forward and then sank to dance over the black waters of the Mississippi, following the flow toward the sea.
I watched her go, my heart sinking into my toes. The grief settled in my chest, raw and new again, even after ten years.
Then Emma’s hand slipped into mine and squeezed. “Maybe I won’t make you wear the dress.” She always knew the right thing to say at the right time.
I put my arms around her and squeezed her to me before bending down to kiss Remy on her head. “Come on. Let’s go get something to eat.”
Somewhere out on the Mississippi, a little girl’s soul danced in the moonlight, finally free.
THE END
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Books by E.A. Copen
The Judah Black Novels
Fortunate Son
Guilty by Association
Perfect Storm
Blood Debt
Chasing Ghosts
Playing with Fire
Other stories in the Judah Black Universe:
Kiss of Vengeance
Cold Spell
Broken Empire:
Aftermath
The Lazarus Codex:
Death Wish
Death Rites
Organ Grind
Shallow Grave
Knight Shift
Death Match
Death’s Door
Other Works:
Beasts of Babylon
