Chapter 46

CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

DANIEL

Two weeks later

It takes time to heal. It doesn't happen overnight no matter how much we'd like it to. My heart is still sore, but I'm trying to see the world from Margo's perspective. I'm trying not to see weeds. I'm trying to see flowers.

The doorbell rings, and I jump off my bed to go answer it. Annie stands on the other side with her long hair in two braids.

My heart stops when I catch a glimpse of the cherry earrings she's wearing. They're Margo's earrings.

I clear my throat. "I'll go get Olive."

"I'm actually here to see you," she says.

I tilt my head. "Me?"

She nods. "I have something for you." She fishes through her purse and pulls out a small wrapped package. It's bright and covered in colorful stripes. She holds it out to me. "Margo wanted me to give this to you. "

I take the package. "What is it?"

She shrugs. "I don't know. She wouldn't tell me, but you knew Margo. Gifts were what she did best."

I don't know what to say. Part of me wants to open it right away, but the other part of me is scared.

"Well, I have to get going," Annie says. "But I'll see you around."

"Thank you," I say, lifting the package.

She smiles softly. "No problem."

When I get back to my room, I sit on my bed and stare at the package for at least ten minutes before I'm brave enough to open it. I peel the wrapping paper off carefully and set it aside. Inside is a brand-new Jules Verne book.

Gingerly, I thumb through the pages. The perfect margins stare back. My heart skips when I get to the first page and notice the note from Margo:

Dear Daniel,

Fill these margins with all the things that make you happy. Write about your favorite memories and all the adventures you have. Write down your greatest dreams, but don't keep them hidden away in this book. Don't be afraid to chase them. Say them out loud.

The world is ready to meet you.

Love,

Margo

I know what I'm going to write first. I know what made me the happiest, what my favorite memory is. It's Margo. Whether she meant for it to be or not, this book will be about her.