surprised she knew about those. “You hear me in my sleep?” Candace nodded, “I had those at first, but then I heard you snore, and now I try to go to bed before you.” Miles laughed, a little relieved she wasn’t going through the same thing anymore. “But, it sounds like she felt safe around you,” Sheila said simply. He looked at her, unsure of what she meant. “I think my mom felt comfort knowing I was safe, and she was with my daddy, so it was okay for her to go on peacefully. I think they’d feel a lot better knowing that I have you now also.” She looked up at him, and he smiled. “You are incredibly smart, Candace Ship, you know that?” This time she smiled. “Why don’t we visit your parents?” He asked. She shrugged, “I keep them in a jewelry box until I’m ready to spread their ashes.” “Why don’t you spread them?” “I’m not ready,” she said, lowering her head. “Hey,” he lifted her chin. “How about we set a date, and when you’re ready to spread them out, we will.” “I’d love that!” She gave him a deep hug and made sure Mother Claudia gave him one as well. “Okay, kiddo, let’s get out of here. We have one more stop to make.” They stopped back at her school, and this time he made sure to speak to the teacher who sent her to the principal’s office. He made sure Candace was able to tell her side of the story, and the teacher apologized. Candace also apologized, and the two promised to work together to make the best of the rest of the school year. *** It was an eventful day, to say the least, but Miles was just happy to finally get in the bed. After checking in on Candace, he finally made the call he had been trying to make all day. “Yes, I’m ready to talk about making my guardianship permanent.” breathe “I have a surprise for you!” Miles ran in Candace’s room, jumping up and down on her bed. Candace let out a high-pitched shriek, “Me first me first!” “Okay, shoot,” Miles smiled, unable to contain his excitement. “I’m ready to spread my parents’ ashes, and I know the perfect place!” Miles wasn’t expecting that at all, but he was pleasantly delighted all the same. “Well, what are you waiting for, let’s go!” He ran out of her room over to the table to grab the keys. “Wait! We don’t need the keys, where we’re going is around the block.” She said, putting on her jacket. Miles shrugged and followed her lead out the door. They walked hand in hand, skipping along the way. Miles had never skipped so much in his life, but to be able to keep up with Candace, he had no choice, so he welcomed it. He looked around and scratched his head when they reached their destination. “You want to spread their ashes at the park?” “Not just any park, The Highend Park. Daddy used to take me here all the time, it’s where he proposed to mommy.” Miles just smiled. “The Highend Park it is.” They walked over to an empty spot where the roundabout was, and Candace had an idea. “Will you join me?” She asked, getting ready to climb on the colorful spinning object. “Don’t mind if I do,” Miles responded, sticking out his hand so Candace could get on easier. “Okay, I’m ready,” on her command, Miles pushed off with his left foot, and the roundabout began spinning in slow motion. Candace kissed the top of the jewelry box before lifting it, and 29
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