Thirty-seven
Cody
My heart pounded frantically as Mike’s truck pulled up into the driveway. Nothing had changed. Flowers still lined the sidewalk that led up to the front door. The mailbox still leaned to the right with its flap hanging open. Even Willa Mae was sitting on her front porch like she always did at this time in the early evening. The only thing different was that Cassie didn’t run out of the house, throwing her arms around me like she used to when I’d come home from work.
On second thought, everything had changed.
“Need a moment, Son?” Mike glanced at me, worried. “I can take you to my place if you aren’t ready.”
“I’m fine. I just want to see Cassie.” I pushed open the door and climbed out.
“Welcome home, Cody.” Willa Mae shuffled to me. “I hope you came with a big appeti
