Gwendy's Button Box

24

Gwendy is sunbathing in the back yard, listening to Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band on a Sony Walkman, when Mrs. Peterson comes outside carrying a glass of ice water. Her mother hands Gwendy the glass and sits down on the end of the lawn chair.

“You doing okay, honey?”

Gwendy slips off the headphones and takes a drink. “I’m fine.”

Mrs. Peterson gives her a look.

“Okay, maybe not fine, but I’m doing better.”

“I hope so.” She gives Gwendy’s leg a squeeze. “You know we’re here if you ever want to talk. About anything.”

“I know.”

“You’re just so quiet all the time. We worry about you.”

“I… have a lot on my mind.”

“Still not ready to call Mr. Kepnes back?”

Gwendy doesn’t answer, only shakes her head.

Mrs. Peterson gets up from the lawn chair. “Just remember one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“It will get better. It always does.”

It’s pretty much what Olive’s father said. Gwendy hopes it’s true, but she has her doubts.

“Hey, mom?”

Mrs. Peterson stops and turns around.

“I love you.”