Her laughter echoed in his memory, a sound that could strip away the layers of grief clinging to his bones. I don’t think they would want to hear about their sweet daughter that way,” she finished with a giggle. She felt the weight of her intentions settle firmly in her chest as she approached the stoop, each step resonating with purpose. “Okay?” she checked again, and Larry nodded, his body beginning to move of its own accord, pushing back against her. He took the food to the kitchen and transferred it into bowls. They launched into stories — wild, reckless nights, whispered dares under flashing lights — their words painting scenes so vivid Larry could almost feel the heat of them. She looked at him with arched eyebrows, the question unspoken but evident on her face. Don’t say no, you don’t want me to send Lori over, she will browbeat you until you say yes.
