3. Bittersweet Symphony
Bittersweet Symphony
The Emails
From: [email protected]
D ear Mr. McRae,
I apologize for my rudeness the day we met. I realize this will sound like an excuse, but I wasn’t myself.
If I’m honest, I was pretty sure the life insurance money was some kind of scam until it actually landed in my account. I didn’t touch it for weeks, waiting to make sure it was real or it didn’t have strings attached. I told you I had no gratitude left to give, but I managed to find some. Thank you for your help.
Right now, I feel like I’m driving a car through fog. All I can see is what the headlights illuminate directly in front of me. I’m not taking one day at a time. I’m surviving minute-by-minute.
I met the private investigator you sent. I considered being offended when he asked me prying questions, but after I thought about things, I figured Steve had spoken to you about Polford already, and you were taking over where he left off.
I doubt you’ll get far with it. It’s nice of you to try, though.
Sincerely, Charlotte Miller
PS: The baby is due in less than six weeks, but I’m still calling her “Baby.” Mom says they won’t let me bring her home from the hospital without a name, but I haven’t found a single one I like. I want something unique, but not made-up or off-the-wall. I’ve been asking everyone, so I may as well ask you too.
Do you know any good baby girl names?
From: [email protected]
Dear Ms. Miller,
Your apology is unnecessary. I wasn’t offended. For myself, grief has always felt like being trapped in a tunnel with the weight of it crushing down on top of me. It feels suffocating and endless. I won’t tell you to look for the light at the end of it, yet. Only you can determine when you’re ready for that. You’re surviving. That’s what matters.
As you suspected, the private investigator uncovered no evidence that would stand up in court.
If you’d feel more comfortable relocating back to New York, I’d be happy to help you find a place to live. I know you and Steve originally planned to make your home here.
As for baby girl names, I’m certain my offering will go into the discard pile, but I’ve always liked the name Bronwyn. It means “white raven.” If she ends up with Steve’s fair hair, it may be fitting.
Sincerely, Arden McRae III
M arch 15, 1995
Dear Mr. McRae,
I’d like to formally present Miss Bronwyn Elizabeth Miller. (See attached photo.) She was eighteen inches long and weighed six pounds, two ounces. She definitely inherited her father’s hair. She also has his dimple. She’s too young to smile, but there’s a certain scrunchy face she makes when she’s cranky that shows it, anyway.
Steve’s parents lost the lease on their video rental store and ended up selling their house and moving out of town the month before she was born. I’m glad they left. I don’t trust John not to be a jerk to Bronwyn as she gets older.
My baby is small, but healthy and beautiful. I’m grateful and overwhelmed.
The birth went well. No complications. I invested the money the way you suggested, though I’ve decided to set as much of it as I can aside for Bronnie when she gets older.
Thank you for your recommendations. They were very helpful.
Thank you, also, for your offer to help me relocate, but I can’t leave Blackwater. My family is here. I live with my parents, and I don’t know what I’d do without them.
Jeremy Polford has been acting really intense recently. We think he figured out about the private investigator. Mom said he followed her around the grocery store just staring at her like a creep three days ago. Mom, being Mom, whipped him the bird. We didn’t tell Dad because we were worried he’d do something stupid that would get him arrested. Now that the investigation is over, I’m sure everything will go back to normal.
Sincerely, Charlotte Miller
M arch 15, 1995
Dear Ms. Miller,
Congratulations on the birth of your baby girl. I’m guessing from the photo she has a very healthy set of lungs on her.
I understand your need to remain near your support system. I remember well how exhausting those early days can be. Thank you for letting me know about Polford. I’m certain you’re right, but please be careful.
If you don’t mind, I’d love to hear how you and little Bronwyn are faring from time to time.
As always, I’m here if you need me,
Arden McRae III