THE MONTH

[ ONE ]

E M M A ' S P O V

THE AIRPORT PARKING LOT WAS PACKED, my bag was searched twice, and the security team completely took apart Lyla's birthday present in front of me. I watched as they manhandled my drawing, shook up the succulent, flipped through the photo album, and peered strangely at the other things I'd bought last-minute for my friend. Finally, they noticed the guitar case strung across my back, and they searched this too.

"Are you almost done?" I asked shortly, and the lady glared at me. "Respectfully, Miss—I don't want to miss my flight."

"You'll be just fine, Darlin'. Move along."

The rest of my venture through the San Francisco International Airport was smooth, fortunately. A new book—The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane—and a coffee got me through the entirety of the flight and before I knew it, we were landing in Houston, Texas. The night air pressed tightly around the tube of our plane as if it were fighting amongst itself to get in and interrupt the warmth that everyone had created for themselves. The older lady that was sat next to me gripped the armrest of her seat nervously as we touched down on the tarmac.

"Are you returning to or visiting Houston?" I asked, trying to distract the woman from her fear. At this, she managed a faint smile.

"My daughter-in-law is having her first baby—a little boy."

I feigned a gasp, "Congratulations! That must be so exciting. I'm Emma, by the way."

She shook my hand as the plane finally slowed, "Dolores."

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"—When all the men came home from the War, there were just as many funerals as there were celebrations, if not more."

"Wow," I breathed, hanging off of her every word, "I guess that makes sense; after having won the war, there were still all those lives that were taken. I bet that funeral homes were busy... what was it like for you and your sisters when the men were gone? Were your sisters married?" I loved Dolores—inside every wise woman was a massive book of history and storytelling. Most of the ladies that came by O'Blossom & Bloom whined about the gas prices/

"It was alright—it left a lot of the yard and vehicle maintenance to us women, but most of us were more occupied worrying about our husbands and sons rather than dinner. My eldest sister, Minnie, got married to her husband the day he was drafted."

My jaw dropped, "No way." Dolores nodded matter-of-factly as she and I rode the escalator down to the baggage claim. "That's... wow. I can't even imagine! How heartbreaking for them both to be separated like that..."

"Yes, my dear. It was a troubling day for us all... I was glad that they shared proper goodbyes, however."

"Of course."

"Emma!" my eyes found a girl amongst the ocean of people waiting to collect their suitcases. "Eeeee!" the squeal was high-pitched and alarming, causing several people to jump to attention as a wild Lyla Nicholson barreled through them. We met her at the bottom of the escalator, where she proceeded to hug me tightly.

"It's so good to see you!" I laughed.

"You too! Oh my gosh, I'm so excited—you need to come meet the others! This trip is going to be so much fun!" I matched her grin, happy to have been reunited with my best friend. I turned to Dolores one last time, who watched us with kind eyes.

I took her hand seriously, "It was a privilege to meet you and hear your stories."

She laughed, "Oh, sweet Emma—it was very nice to meet you as well."