Page 16 of To the Moon and Back
Cole hesitated, but only for a couple seconds. “Okay.” He took her hand and led her toward the wall where Kari and Jessie and Amy were still reading. “You have to see this. You won’t believe how God saved this one guy.”
Not until Ashley reached the exhibit and Cole had resumed his place between Amy and Jessie did Kari finally notice she was back. Her sister turned and looked at her. Then she mouthed, “Did you steal it?”
“Of course not.” Ashley straightened her jacket and focused her attention on the display. “Cole . . . you mean this one?” She could feel Kari watching her.
“Yes.” Cole and his cousins were already on to the next display. “You’ve gotta read the whole thing.”
Ashley fought the guilt rising inside her. She would tell Kari later about what had happened, how she’d thought she was going to be arrested and how she’d taken a picture of the letter. She and Kari could read it together. Ashley tried to focus on the exhibit, but she couldn’t. Her heart was still pounding.
Maybe God wanted her to see the man today. Or maybe not. Sure, the timing could’ve been a coincidence. But what if the Lord had lined up the two of them so that Ashley would be intrigued? So she’d come back and take a picture of the letter and maybe even help the guy somehow?
It was possible, right?
Whatever the reason Ashley couldn’t forget him. Not because he was attractive. But because of the hurt on his face. There was something familiar about him. Beyond the fact that he looked like Landon.
Stop, Ashley . This was ridiculous. She would put the whole thing out of her mind. He was a stranger. What could she possibly do to help? She moved on to join the others. Put it out of your head, she told herself. Enough.
On the way out of the museum, Amy led them to a patio with chalk drawings. A man who worked there stood nearby, supervising. Beside him, on a small table, was a bucket of chalk. Amy looked from Kari to Ashley. “So many kids were killed that day, they decided to make this chalk yard, with squares for drawing and writing. That way children and parents . . . whoever wants, can leave something behind.”
The patio was a good distraction. Ashley watched as Amy sorted through the chalk. This was why they were here. For Amy. And if this was the last thing she wanted to do before they left the memorial, then they would all take part.
Ashley studied the childish illustrations and simple words written across the concrete. There were still many open squares. Each of the kids took chalk from the bucket. Then she and Kari followed suit. As they walked together, Kari whispered, “Ashley. What did you do?” She shot her a doubtful look. “You have to tell me.”
“Later.” Ashley sounded urgent. Friendly, but urgent. She didn’t want the kids hearing them. She returned the whisper. “Everything’s fine.”
They spent another ten minutes on the chalk yard. Amy drew the Survivor Tree. Beside it she wrote, Dear God, help me be like this tree. Amen.
Ashley studied Amy’s artwork. “It’s beautiful.” She put her hand on her niece’s shoulder and worked to control her emotions. What had she been thinking? Concerned with a stranger? This day was about Amy, not helping some guy she didn’t know.
“I really liked the story about my mom. How she loved trees.” A softness filled Amy’s eyes. More peace than pain. “Today was perfect.” She smiled. “Thanks for bringing me.”
Ashley worked to keep her emotions in check. “I’m glad we came.”
“Are you gonna draw something?” Amy laughed. “You almost have to. Professional artist and all.”
Ashley breathed deep and steadied herself. “Yes. That’s exactly what I’m going to do.” She stared at a blank square. How would it feel to be Amy today? Or the dark-haired young man? Or all the others who had suffered such loss?
And what about Jenna? Whoever she was.
Ashley bent down and began to write. Beauty from ashes. Please, God. The words came easily. When her letters looked swirly and artsy, she surrounded them with a wreath of springtime flowers.
“Not fair.” Cole was standing over her. “Mom, you’re so good.”
Ashley stood up and dusted off her hands. “Not at basketball.”
Cole laughed. “True.”
“God gives us different gifts.” Kari joined them. She smiled at Ashley’s drawing. “He just happened to saturate your mother with the gift of creating art. Even from chalk.”
Jessie walked up and added her voice to the others’. Kari pointed at Amy’s drawing. “I think we have another artist in the family.” She kissed the top of Amy’s head.
“Really?” Amy’s eyes shone.
“You have a gift. I’ve been telling you.” Ashley put her arm around Amy. “How about we get some basic supplies next week when we’re home.”
“Okay.” Amy grinned. “Thanks.”
When they were finished, they washed their hands and headed for the car. As Ashley drove to the hotel, Kari shot her another look. She hadn’t forgotten about the letter.
