June looks up at the ceiling, her racing thoughts twinkling in her eyes. “Brant? If that wish won’t come true, can I wish for something else?” “Sure.” “Okay…I wish that we can be together forever.” “Forever, huh?” She nods, picking at one of Aggie’s worn ears. “Forever and ever. That one will come true, right?” I hope so, Junebug. And sometimes, hope is all we have. “I bet it will,” I say, kissing her on the temple and rising to my feet. I turn to leave the room, pausing in the doorway to whisper two final words into the dark. “Happy birthday.”
