Chapter 24 - The Yard Again
Seven years after the party, I hosted a cookout.
My first large one.
Maybe thirty people.
Coworkers.
Neighbors.
Megan.
Luis.
Maya stopped by briefly but refused free legal questions.
Children ran through sprinklers.
Music.
Drinks.
The new fence camera blinked.
No one cared.
At one point a guest asked:
“Is this where…”
She stopped.
I said:
“Yes.”
Awkward silence.
Then:
“Burger?”
She laughed.
“Please.”
The yard did not belong to Brent’s crime.
I had allowed that idea too long.
Near sunset, Scott Miller appeared at the gate.
Invited.
By me.
Not because we became close.
Because years earlier he had apologized and then respected my distance without asking for more.
He stood.
“You sure?”
“Yes.”
He came in.
No emotional scene.
He ate.
Talked to Luis.
Helped carry folding chairs.
Before leaving:
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Letting me see it normal.”
I looked around.
“It was always capable of normal.”
He nodded.
May you like
So was I.
That was more surprising.
