The-Lucky-List-Rachael-Lippincott

17
I spend most of the next day hiding in my room while my dad is on the phone with the real estate agent.
There’s been an offer on the house.
Definitely a bit of a buzzkill after my whirlwind of a night.
I should be packing the last of my stu, but instead I’m going through the box of my mom’s, laying
everything out on the floor around me. I’m still looking for something to help me understand what the
list meant to her. I reach out for one of the cassette tapes, even though I have no way to play it, and
when I open the plastic box, I see a note taped to the inside in my dad’s messy handwriting.
Let me know if you change your mind. I’ll be waiting.
Yours, Joe
“Let me know if you change your mind”? What did that mean?
I look toward the door, his mued voice driing through from the other side. I wish I could talk
to him about it, but I don’t even know where to start.
He’d probably have thrown out this entire box if he’d come across it. Just like everything else.
In fact, I’ve been hiding it underneath my bed, surrounding it with other boxes and blankets,
because I’m afraid he’ll do just that. He already gets upset with me for “trying to keep too much,” for
“making excuses” instead of finishing her closet.
I’m pulled away from the note when my phone screen lights up, buzzing noisily on the floor next to
me. Kiera? That’s weird.
It’s Sunday, but I wasn’t expecting a call from her, since she’ll be back from Misty Oasis tomorrow,
for our traditional unpack and bake night. I found the perfect carrot cake recipe I know she’ll love.
I reach out, the green accept button transforming into her face.
“Hey!” I say, pushing aside the old soccer T-shirt and the 2000 yearbook to lean back against the
foot of my bed. “Noon? Isn’t it a little early for Misty Oasis phone time?”
She nods, holding up a stack of certificates. “End-of-camp awards ceremony is tonight, so I won’t be
able to call later.”
“Ooo, fun.” I flash her a big smile. “You’re back tomorrow! I can’t wait.”