Though the bed was comfortable, Caitlin could not sleep. The longer she lay the worse she felt. Every muscle hurt from moving the trunk, her chest still hurt, and her shoulder burned. She considered waking Garrett, but the thought of moving seemed worse. Not only that, but if he pushed her away she would lose even more of herself. Right now, she did not have much left.
The wedding dress appeared in her mind bringing comfort and some semblance of peace. Caitlin wondered when Emmaline had designed it. Her eyes grew wide in remembrance. It was the year before she died. I remember seeing her writing in the notebook but anytime she saw or heard me the notebook closed and was hidden. I never found it. No wonder. She buried it under the quilt. Talk about a wonderful ending to a horrific evening. I knew grandma would never let me down.
"I love you Grandma Emmaline." Caitlin mouthed to the ceiling hoping her grandmother heard.
Unable to sleep, Caitlin tiptoed downstairs to the den. She grabbed a poetry book and sat in the leather chaise by the desk, but the words were a blur. Caitlin remembered the intensity of the fire. The noise level amazed her. She heard nothing but flames lashing at her, laughing and taunting her. They took my home but I have the trunk and my memories. "You're up early," Garrett said standing in the doorway. "Hard time sleeping?"
Caitlin nodded. "Would you like coffee or iced tea?" Caitlin shrugged. As Garrett turned to leave, she grabbed his hand. Words filled her head, but her voice refused to speak. As she rested her hand on his cheek she flashed a thank you smile. He nodded in understanding.
The doorbell rang and Garrett rushed to get it. Caitlin followed hoping it was the fire chief with news. Mrs. Carrington stood in the doorway, tears streaming down her cheeks. She pushed past Garrett and took Caitlin in her arms. "Are you all right? All of town heard. I don't believe it. Are you all right? Caitlin shrugged to which Garrett said, "She saved Emmaline's trunk, breathed too much smoke, and has lost her voice."
"You did what?" Rachel's voice filled the house and Caitlin slinked away in fear. She had never heard Mrs. Carrington angry. "Caitlin Chadwick, if I were a younger woman, I'd take you over my knee and swat you a few times. Are you crazy?"
Staring at the floor, Caitlin shifted her feet. Tears fell as she realized the consequences and seriousness of her actions. "I'm sorry," she mustered to say, barely a whisper. "I had to save the trunk. What else do I have?"