13
Fragile Steps
June 1945 — Evelyn“You haven’t gone out since it happened. I want to drive you over to Newbold, away from here, for a nice dinner. I’ve been saving my gas stamps for this. Will you let me help you make a new memory tonight?”
Sterling lifted her face to look into her eyes. Evelyn met his gaze and he smiled. She knew that he was trying to imbue her with courage. The hallway mirror showed that she looked alive again after three weeks of talking and walking through the streets near her home. Still fragile, but alive.
Sterling squeezed her hand. “I talked to your parents—they think it would be good for you, too.”
Evelyn hesitated and smiled. “Okay, I’ll go.”
“I’ll be back to pick you up at six.” Sterling gave her a quick peck on the cheek and stood. His movement sent the
