Chapter 39

Leo tosses his book to the flames, the scent of burning leather and paper filling the night air as we watch the flames consume the book. Reaching over, Leo places his hand around my waist as I allow him to come closer, the warmth of the fire spreading over to us as we stand in silence watching the book become nothing more but ash. Have I forgiven Leo for what he did? Forgiving is different than moving on...there is a thin line between the two. In time, I hope I hope I can do both. Soon enough, the hours pass by and it is minutes away from the time of Penelope's arrival. I sit in the living room, staring out the window like a dog watching the neighborhood, waiting for the first sign of her car. Leo sits across from me, book in his lap as we wait for our visitor. Within seconds I spot headlights coming up the road, getting closer as I swallow the lump in my throat. Getting to my feet, I exclaim to Leo that Penelope is here. I watch as her car pulls into the driveway and the