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had come home for the wedding that would be starting soon so the time with her parents was cut short.

Erika sat quietly in the back of the church and surveyed the crowd. Most of her high school class was there. Some of what she considered odd couplings were sitting together. Some had children with them. She had another fleeting moment of wistfulness wondering what events could have transpired to put the school nerd with the senior class beauty, and the high school football hero with the tall skinny girl that people had called The Jolly Green Giant after an unfortunate choice of wardrobe on St. Patrick's Day in eighth grade. At one point, she had thought this small town so dull, boring, a place she could not wait to escape from it but now suddenly it seemed like the most interesting place in the world. She wished that she had not left; she had not missed all the fascinating life stories that were represented in that church for this wedding.

The organ began to peel the chords from Canon in D and all but one set of eyes were on the beautiful bride as she came down the aisle. Erika's eyes were on the groom. He had been the young love of her life, the one she left behind, and she had come to this wedding to see him marry another. After the wedding, she felt somewhat shy as she approached him. They had been so close at one time. But she realized that he had finally moved on with his life. He was happy. That made her happy and all she could do was wish him every happiness and joy in life.

Erika's parents decided not to stay for the reception and she decided to follow them out the door. On the ride home, they decided to make an impromptu stop. Erika walked behind them as the climbed the grassy hill to the spot near the old Willow tree and it was there that her mom laid the white rose she had taken from the wedding decorations on the grave of Erika Ward.

Erika stood close by, watching her mom weep, and her dad try not to, and she wished there was someway to tell them that it was all good. She was in a different place now, a better place, a place where people did not get behind the car intoxicated and run headlong into young inexperienced drivers on their way to shop for prom shoes. She wanted to tell them that she was happy, and peaceful, and that her spirit would always be there with them when they needed her. Just as it had been today.

Erika's parents walked slowly back to the car, and she remained on the hill. Her visit was over. Soon, the sun set on the day. The moon was at its crescent and the stars were exceptionally bright.

Learn more about this author, Jane Simpson.
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