Life with Kinney wasn't always easy. He could be touchy, moody, withdrawn at times. But whenever the memories became too heavy to hold, he was always there for her. He was trying to talk more these days and that made a big difference. Talking helped them to name the sorrow, to reach out and hold it, together. They both needed time to heal. They both needed each other.
It took some persuasion for county officials to agree to the arrangement, but Ronnie stressed that she would be deeply involved with Kacie along with Kinney. That seemed to make the difference. The officials tentatively approved the situation, reasoning that staying in Bayfield would give Kacie a more stable home life. But they made it clear that they would be checking in on her regularly.
Kacie placed her card on top of the others.
She was standing outside Thea's place, near the empty bench. She scanned the lake horizon. Still 15 minutes until Mainlander returned from her afternoon run. Kacie strolled down to the City Dock, ready to kill some time.
As she approached the beach, she heard a burst of splashes.
There was the shy kid, skipping stones off the waves. He didn't seem to notice her. He was alone.
