“You were not a very nice person, Aunt Nadine,” I say to the hasty-looking pile. “Then again, what reason did the world ever give you to be nice? Still. I could have used your … I don’t know, wisdom? Experience? There was more to you than people saw, and I wish we could have found a little peace together.” I wipe my hands on themselves. They’re gritty and caked with earth. “I hope you’re reincarnated into … a tobacco plant. Or the Loch Ness Monster.” I stop and consider, surprised to find tears stinging my eyes. “No. I hope you’re reincarnated into a bunch of big, bright, actually real
...more
