The Lilac Tunnel: My Journey with Samantha

The next morning, Samantha is still thanking me for teaching her how to ride. Her happiness is contagious. I can’t help smiling, too, even though I know I’ll be catching a train “home” in just a little while.

Samantha says she can’t believe Grandmary is allowing her to ride a bicycle. She shakes her head and says Grandmary surprises her every now and then. Sometimes it feels like she’s only just beginning to get to know her. I wonder what that’s like, living with someone you’re only just getting to know. But then, I realize I do know what that’s like. I picture my stepmom and little Gracie. If I try to get to know them, maybe there will be happy surprises in store for us, too.

An hour later, I’m waving at Samantha and Hawkins through the window of the train as it pulls away from the station. I close my eyes and try to capture the image of Samantha in my head. She’s riding a bike with her hair flowing freely behind her. She’s wearing her own bloomers and she’s smiling ear to ear, looking as if she’s been riding her whole life. That’s the image I keep with me as I snap open my pocket.

Then, I’m no longer moving forward. I’m sinking down until I land on the edge of a soft bed. I open my eyes and smile. I’m back in my t-shirt and capris, and it’s still 3:52.

From beyond the bedroom door, I hear the voices of my family. I jump up and nearly trip over Gracie, who’s standing there like she’s been waiting for me. My stepmom asks if I decided to join them in scrapbooking. I tell them that I was wondering if Gracie and I could play outside for a while. My sister looks up and nods so hard I’m afraid she’s going to get dizzy. As we walk out of the house, I ask her if she knows how to ride a two-wheel bicycle yet. She shakes her head no, which is just the answer I was hoping for.