The Lilac Tunnel: My Journey with Samantha

I find Samantha in the kitchen and lead her by the hand into the quiet parlor, wanting to give her something before I go. Untying the friendship bracelet carefully from my own wrist, I tie it onto hers, explaining a good friend made it for me, and she’s been a good friend, too, while I’ve been here. She stares at it for a long moment, eyes shining, then leans in for a hug, pulling back to say she wishes she had something to give me in return. I tell her she’s already given me plenty, rubbing my forehead gently as she giggles.

The next morning, the train pulls slowly from the station, and once Samantha and Hawkins fade from view on the platform, I settle into my seat and start thinking hard about home. I was so lonely without Stella at first, but Samantha helped fill that hole, and now I’m heading back to Dad’s already missing her, too. What will fix that?

Then I picture Gracie, so excited about a new sister, wishing quietly I felt the same, though Mom says it takes time. We can’t become sisters overnight, but maybe we can start as friends. Reaching for my locket, I imagine walking through the bedroom door and asking her to do a project together, remembering the soft embroidery floss tucked in my craft box, the kind used for friendship bracelets. I’ll make one for Gracie, and carefully teach her to make one for me.