Carla was good to her word and approached him later to talk. And they did talk, for a few hours. She apologized not only for earlier but for many things. In the end, Andy felt closer to her than ever. She had even promised to get help. He was skeptical about that since he’d heard it before, but this time it didn’t matter. They would be leaving in a few days, and it would be a long time before she could disappoint him. The wedding couples, Tylan, Carla, and Ria sat in Ann’s receiving room, comparing pre-wedding traditions and wondering why some of them existed. “Usually about now, the bride brings out her wedding box,” Tylan told them. “She’s given it on her twelfth birthday and writes what she wants in a husband. Usually, they’re forgotten about after a few months or maybe a year, so they’re often rather immature and silly. It’s a fun way to see how you’ve grown. “I couldn’t write back then, so I drew pictures. The only thing that was close was that I wanted to adopt a lot of kids. I already knew by then I couldn’t have any of my own and all the kids at the orphanage wanted to be adopted. “Unfortunately, Ann was gone then so she didn’t get one and Sapphire grew up in Thager. They only do it here in Sen-gan.” “I don’t have one, but Sapphire does,” Ann spoke up. “I gave it to her when she turned twelve.” Sapphire shook her head. “You gave me one, but I didn’t keep it. After Remtani attacked me, I got into a fight with a boy I sort of had feelings for. He didn’t know how to deal with what I’d been through, and I didn’t want to wait for him to figure it out. I saw the thing and got mad and threw it away.” Pt’this stood. “Excuse me a moment.” He hurried out. “Does he have trouble with this?” Carla asked. Sapphire shook her head. “Not anymore. I don’t know what’s going on.” Pt’this was back quickly with something in his hand. “Is this it?” He held out an ornate box. Sapphire’s eyes grew wide. “Where did you get that?” “When we were going through Kith’s things after he died, I found it behind the loose brick in the fireplace,” Pt’this explained. She took the box and opened it. In the box was a note in Kith’s handwriting. She read: “Sapphire, I found this in the trash. I know how much you’re hurting right now, but I pray it won’t last. Maybe, someday, you’ll find healing. You may even accept that someone who loves you won’t hold what happened against you. You might even want these again. Love Kithmar.” She unfolded the slips she’d written on. She read those too, first silently, then aloud. “I hope I find someone brave enough to stand up to my dad.” “I hope I can find someone who can handle my friends.” “I hope I can find someone who will accept me as I am.” “I hope I can find someone who won’t be pushed off for what I’ve been through.” “I’d written that last one just a few days before the fight. I think that’s why I’d gotten so upset. I didn’t believe anyone would understand,” Sapphire explained. “But you did,” Ann pointed out. “I think you found all of that.” Sapphire smiled. “I did.” “There’s more in there,” Andy pointed out. “That’s just extra parchment. Ann loaded it,” Sapphire told him. “No, I see writing.” He shook his head. She took out a piece of parchment larger than the rest and unfolded it with a trembling hand. Pt’this moved to hold her. “Shimmer gave you a wedding box to fill with hopes and dreams, I’m writing these to see if we come close.” “I hope you find someone who loves you.” “I hope you find someone who’ll always be there for you.” “I hope you find someone who’ll take care of you.” “I hope you find someone who’ll make you happy.” “I hope you find someone who’s strong enough to accept all you’ve been through, perhaps someone you can confide in about it. “ “I hope you find Pt’this.” Pt’this hugged her. “Are you ok? I should have read those first.” Sapphire frowned. “No, you shouldn’t have. Those are mine to choose to share. I’m glad you found this. I hadn’t known Kith had written anything. I wish he could be here, to see this, but at least I have something from him.” “Maybe you could tuck the note in your dress, a pocket or a sash or something,” Carla suggested. “On Earth, brides rarely have places to hold things. We tuck them into our bouquets.” “And hope they don’t fall out,” Andy added with a grin. “Oh, hush,” Carla scolded, playfully.