The Lilac Tunnel: My Journey with Samantha

The next morning, Samantha is still thanking me for teaching her to ride, her happiness contagious enough to make me smile wide, even knowing I’ll be catching a train “home” soon.

Samantha can’t believe Grandmary allowed the bicycle, shaking her head that Grandmary still surprises her sometimes, like she’s only beginning to really know her, even after all this time. I wonder what that’s like, then realize I already do, thinking of my stepmom and little Gracie. Maybe if I try getting to know them better, there’ll be happy surprises waiting for us, too.

An hour later, waving at Samantha and Hawkins through the train window, I close my eyes to fix her image in my mind: riding her bike, hair flowing free, bloomers on, grinning like she’s ridden her whole life. The train lurches forward, but that’s the picture I hold onto as I snap open my locket.

Then I’m sinking instead of moving forward, landing on the edge of a soft, familiar bed. I open my eyes, smiling: back in my t-shirt and capris, and still 3:52.

I hear my family’s voices beyond the door and jump up quickly, nearly tripping over Gracie, waiting there as if she knew I’d come out. My stepmom asks if I’ve decided to join their scrapbooking, but I ask instead if Gracie and I can play outside. My sister nods so hard and fast I worry she’ll get dizzy. Walking out into the yard, I ask if she knows how to ride a two-wheeled bike yet. She shakes her head, exactly the answer I was hoping for.