𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒍𝒆 | ✔

Epilogue

LOTTIE FLIPPED THE PAGE, then read each side, and flipped again. She was now halfway through Thinner by Stephen King and had been reading for the past hour. A steady wind blew her way, all the while, as she lightly swung from within her hammock. A moment more, though, and she was staring up at the sky, wondering...

Her phone read 9:58 AM. After a sigh, she sat upright and placed a bookmark. 

It was time. 

An hour later, she was in the kitchen, washing her breakfast plate. After finishing, then wringing her wrists, she tied her damp hair into a messy bun. Her hair was now fresh after the shower; raspberry scented. Then, with a smile, she went for the door when-

Lottie paused, set her purse aside, then turned. 

The handprint. It had been on the kitchen window all those years back. Now it was clear; innocent. 

She went stiff and still, hands at sides. Should I?

Her breath hitched. On quiet feet, she neared and placed a hand to the glass. I remember, Eliott. How could I forget?

Then, with a small smile, she retraced her steps, snatching her purse. 

In the doorway, she looked out into her yard. Now everything was quiet. It was as though life had stopped just for her. The fresh breeze, the occasional chirp, and the morning life - it was gone. 

She smiled. 

At the bottom step, though, she staggered and barely caught herself. You were always clumsy, weren't you Lottie?

That was when she heard a voice, low but kind: "Where might you be going this Sunday?"

Lottie flinched, hand to heart, and faced her neighbor. "Going to see my brother. He needs a hand with something."

The tall-standing bushes of five years back, which separated their homes, were now short. With a wave and smile, the man was sitting on his porch steps. He wore dirt-stained overalls and gardening gloves. 

"How's your garden coming?"

"Them carrots and lettuce are doing good, I tell ya. I could spare some if you might like?" 

Lottie chuckled. "Nah, I'm alright." Then she paused. "I'll see you later, Rick."

Rick saluted her, head held high. "See ya when I see ya. Oh, and, uh, how's that brother of yours doin' these days?"

Her smile widened. "He's doing great, Rick." After reaching her vehicle, she returned the salute. "Take care of yourself."

He gave a stiff nod. "I should think so."

Then, behind the wheel, she stared off. I wonder how Penny's doing. 

-

"What's on your mind?" Lottie mixed her black coffee, watching it swirl. "You seem awfully quiet." 

"Just thinking..." 

She looked up, then pushed her cup aside. "Eliott" - she leaned into the table - "I'm gonna need more than that."

Her brother took a sip from his own. His coffee was un-caffeinated with creamer. 

"Eliott?"

He wiped his brow, then matched her, leaning in. "I don't know how I'm supposed to do this. I don't know how I'm just supposed to... leave this place. It's all I know." 

"You're having doubts? Then why'd I come here?" Lottie looked around, noting the boxes piled against the kitchen. "I've been helping you pack for hours. I hope all this time isn't a waste!"