I swallowed.
"With the children?"
He nodded.
I looked toward the swings.
Then smiled faintly.
"Let's try."
***
Iris and Leo were waiting near the playground with Dad.
Nigel had arranged the surprise after checking that I felt ready to visit the place.
The children ran toward us.
"Mommy!"
I hugged them.
Iris pointed toward the swings.
"Can you push me?"
My heart stopped.
For one terrible moment, I couldn't move.
A swing.
A push.
Twenty years of darkness.
Nigel noticed my expression.
"You don't have to," he said quietly.
I looked at Iris.
She was smiling.
Waiting.
Trusting me.
Then I took a breath.
"I want to."
We walked toward the swings.
Iris climbed onto one.
Leo took the swing beside her.
Nigel stood near our son.
I stood behind our daughter.
For a moment, I rested my hands against the chains.
I looked at the place where the rock had once been.
