Kasey Kennedy

Citrus and Skeleton Keys

“Damn shame. They were so young,” Aunt Clara frowned, clearing a plastic covering from the dining set before sitting down, “everything you will need is here. I know it’s dusty, but we’ve done our best to keep the house ready for you. Uncle Art will be over in the morning to get the car ready, and to help with any mechanical repairs needed for the car or the appliances.” She opened her purse and pulled out a packet, motioning for me to come sit at the table. “This pouch has the deed, titles, copies of their wills, death certificates, and all the court documents that transfer their estate to you; all this is yours, now that you’re eighteen. Keep it in a safe place.” She reached into her purse, retrieving a second packet, and as soon as she handed it to me, I dumped it out onto the table before me. Keys, a locket, a wallet, a small purse, a pocket knife, a watch, and 3 golden rings tied together with a ribbon tumbled out. “Oh Rommie, I never saw your mother without that locket on,” She picked up the locket and opened it, exposing a picture of me as a toddling on one side, an etching of a constellation on the other. “I remember the day you came to me, those tiny ringlets, your chubby cheeks, you were just so adorable! Now look at you, all grown up. Rommie, are you sure you don’t want me to take the day off to help? All this has got to be so overwhelming, there’s just so much to be done here,” she paused as I held up my hand.