He was laughing, too, something Valerie didn’t think she’d ever heard, at least not since Lilly had passed. Mr. Nelson popped the forkful of taco salad into his mouth, a big grin still on his face. “My Lilly was something else.”
“She certainly was,” Valerie agreed. “I’m glad I got to meet her, although I wish I’d known her better. I would love to hear stories about her, though, whenever you want to talk, Mr. Nelson.”
“Thank you, Valerie,” Mr. Nelson said, his eyes showing his appreciation. “Having someone to share her with might make missing her just a tad easier.” He turned back toward his food, and Valerie assumed that meant the stories were over for now. She couldn’t help but smile, though, as she made her way back to her family of five. Mr. Nelson had actually laughed! Maybe this Feb
