This is a stand-alone short story, unrelated to Love Makes Old New. A woman is an unintended participant in a tragedy. As she meanders along a fateful path, she finds a way to forgive herself. This story was inspired by this article from BrainPickings.org: Paul Goodman on the Nine Kinds of Silence. The impact of words is quite clear, where they come from and what they might say about us… but what happens when we don’t use them at all? Content warnings: car colliding with bike (but no intense sound effects), partner violence as theme of a dance (no sound effects except music)

Persey discovers what’s in the box... and then all the pieces come together.

Persey learns about trees and reluctantly accepts Adam’s mysterious gift.

Persey returns to Shady Pines with gusto and is surprised by a trip.

Persey fell hard, but she bounced! She’s damn strong and will be just fine with help from her dad and Kirby... and Adam, too.

Persey’s world comes together... and then falls apart.

Persey revels in Denise’s personal story, then her dad helps her make a huge discovery about what’s going on with Adam.

The morning after Kirby bails Persey out, her dad helps her make a picnic lunch for Adam. The lovebirds have dessert before their lunch.

Persey and Adam prepare his new home, process their mysterious circumstances and grow closer.

Persey’s feelings about Adam are derailed by a frightening revelation. When she addresses that with him, other truths are revealed and they make plans.