The master bedroom was dark, but Caitlin knew every inch of the room. She walked to the trunk, which sat at the foot of the hand-carved oak bed. She sank beside it and sighed.
As she lifted the lid, tears rolled down her cheeks and then her body shook uncontrollably. "If I ever wear this veil, Granddaddy won't be here to walk me down the aisle. He'll never dance with me at my wedding. This is so unfair."
Boots clomped upstairs. When the light turned on, she squinted. "Garrett?" she said, surprised to see him standing there.
"Honey, why are you sitting in the dark?" He knelt beside her and placed his hand on her back.
"Thinking about how unfair life is and wondering how to turn back time."
He rubbed her back in a gentle, loving manner. An unbreakable silent bond existed between them, yet Caitlin wondered if the glue holding them together was her granddaddy. With him gone, would it dissolve, sending them in opposite directions never to cross a common path?
With the trunk lid closed on her memories, she stood and found herself clinging to Garrett. He was her support system; a lifeline through these crazy days. The refreshing scent of his Aspen cologne soothed her frazzled nerves. "Do you have radar that senses when I need you?"
"Not exactly," he said, chuckling. He then let out a deep breath. "Truthfully, I started reminiscing and felt alone." His voice quivered as he held her tighter. "I can't believe how much I miss the old man," he whispered into her hair.
"I know." She squeezed him tighter, afraid of losing him too. She then pulled back and placed her hand on his cheek and dried his tears. Her heart ached for this man who had lost his best friend and mentor. Caitlin was not the only one suffering through this loss. "I'm sorry," she said, managing a smile through her own tears.
Her hand remained on his chest as he looked around the room, his gaze stopping at the bed. Caitlin knew what he was thinking. She heard the conversation from four nights ago. "Caitlin, Marshall is gone. I found him in bed, his hands clasped close to his heart, a smile on his face." Even now, knowing her granddaddy was at peace did not make it easier on those left behind.
"Let's go outside and get some fresh air," she suggested, trying to shake away the blues. He followed her out of the room and down the wooden staircase. Every place Caitlin touched reminded her of her granddaddy. He would forever linger in this place. Memories were etched into the walls and floors.