Through the front window, I could see the "For Sale" real estate sign staked into the lawn.
After losing both my wife and stepdaughter, the house eventually felt too big. So, I'd listed it for sale.
The realtor, a cheerful woman named Denise, said, "This place will go fast. Families love good bones."
I nodded, even though my chest tightened at the idea of someone else filling it up.
But sitting there on the floor, I pulled my phone from my pocket and stared at the screen.
"This place will go fast. Families love good bones."
For years, I'd imagined what it would be like to hear Grace's voice again. I'd rehearsed speeches and apologies.
Suddenly, all of that felt unnecessary.
I dialed Denise. She answered on the second ring.
"Vincent, hi. I was just about to call you. We had some interest already."
"Take the sign down," I said.
There was a pause. "I'm sorry?"
"I'm keeping the house," I repeated. "I'm going to need the garage."
She laughed softly. "Well, I'm sorry to lose a client, but that's the easiest paperwork I'll do all week. I'll handle it."
"Take the sign down."
I hung up and looked around the house. It didn't feel empty anymore. It felt as if it were holding its breath.
"Thank you for never giving up on us," I said, speaking to Grace in my head.
I looked at the engine block again, at the years of work and love poured into it, at the bridge it had built back to me.
"I'm coming, baby, and I'm not going anywhere."
I knew exactly what I was going to do that day. I had packing to get to. I was going to see my daughter and grandchild, and nothing would stop me.
It didn't feel empty anymore.
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