I'll See You Again

Daphne walks quickly towards the twenty four floor tower of doom as the February wind picks up a bit. She pulls her hat down and adjust the scarf around her neck. She looks up at the Water Fall Retirement Home and smiles. Maybe not smile. Sneer. Daphne sneers at the the place she has worked for the past seventeen years. Its been bittersweet and that was okay because that is life. Some days are good and some days are bad. Some shifts are great and some shifts are just horrible. Either way, you live to work another shift. And Daphne's shift was the second shift. She loved the second shift. She wasn't a morning person. She would probably be late everyday ( she barely made it to work by 3:00). There is not a whole lot of doctors and 'big wigs' in her way while she is trying to provide care for the patients. By 5:30, the heads are gone and now she can work relaxed and at her own pace. Daphne actually loved her job. Being a healthcare provider was very rewarding to her. Yes, the job could be overwhelming, exhausting and sometimes messy. Very messy. But Daphne loved her job. She loved taking care of the patients. She loved talking to them, learning about their lives and their families. And as much as Daphne loved her residents they loved here in return. On Daphne's days off, they would miss her. And Daphne knew this because she would hear it from the patients. And some of the other workers. One or two of the coworkers always had an envious tone. Hey, that is some of the bitterness in the bittersweet.

Daphne approached the enormous, automatic glass door and took out her cell phone to check the time. 3:02. She let out a sigh of relief and proceeded forward. The glass doors slides open and a group of first shift aides, dietary staff and housekeepers spill out before Daphne can get through. Everyone is talking excitingly and all at once.

"That second floor was crazy today! I had to..."

"Well, you shouldn't complain because Miss Mitzy had an accident and there was crap everywh..."

"Hey everyone," Daphne yells above all the commotion" Shouldn't be talking about the rest of your day now that work is over?"

The gaggle of workers finally notices Daphne and several of them laugh. They make a space and wave her through.

"Girl, we ain't even see you! How you doing today, Daphne?" Erica, one of the dietary ladies ask. "Uh-oh. You can just text me the answer. You gonna be late!" She laughed and ran out of the door.

As the rest of them said their hellos, goodbyes and positive affirmations to Daphne, Daphne blew an exaggerated kiss to them all and jog/ran to the stairwell. No time for the elevator today. She put her hand on the door knob and snatched it open ready to tear up the steps. When she yanked the door open, Miss Pat, another first shift worker, was yanked out as well.

"Goodness grief! What in the heck is going on!?" Miss Pat looked to see Daphne with her hand on the already turned knob. She laughed and shook her head. "I should have know that was you. For you to be so little, you sure are strong. Daphne began a quick apology but Miss Pat waved it off. "Just go clock in so you wont be late."

"Love ya Miss Pat." Daphne shouted over her shoulder as she took the steps by two. She got to the second floor door and hurried through. "Hello everyone! I'll be back. I'm going to clock in."

Daphne entered the employee lounge, where the time clock is located. There she found Annette sitting in the only chair in the tiny lounge, A bathroom, a rack for coats, bags and other personal items, a mini fridge and a chair. Daphne punches in her employee number, waits for the beep of conformation and turned to Annette.

"You barely made it, girl," Annette said looking at her watch. "You always pushing it so close. You know you late at 3:07, right?"

"And that's why it is 3;05 so I'm good." Daphne said as she shrugged out of her coat and bags in one motion. She located a hanger, placed her items on it and hung it on the rack. She stepped into the bathroom, removed her hat and smoothed her hair in the mirror. "So how many aides we got today, Annette? Even though we gonna work it out together, I still want to know. I heard the earlier shift complaining on the way in." Daphne finish with her hair, excited the bathroom and placed her hat in her coat sleeve. "Don't judge me. Bet you I won't lose it this time, though." Daphne noticed that Annette hadn't said anything since she told her about being late. Annette is never that quiet. Not for that long anyway. Daphne turned to her coworker and friend. She looked at her face and into her eyes. "What's wrong, Annette? What's going on?"

Annette got up and went into the bathroom. She turned on the faucet and she began to wash her hands. That didn't strike Daphne as odd because everyone who knew Annette knew that she could and would wash her hands several times a day. But still something didn't seem right. Daphne was about to ask Annette again but she spoke after turning off the faucet and tearing a few paper towels out of the dispenser.

"First of all, we have five aides so today should be okay. The big bosses are leaving early today so that's also great. And Triple M is supposed to be going to a different facility tomorrow and she wants to see you before you leave today." Annette just answered the question I asked. Something was wrong.

"What you mean Triple M going to a different facility?" Daphne was on the verge of tears. Boiling mad, disbelieving tears. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Miss Mary Mimms (or Triple M, the affectionate name Daphne came up with) was one of the nicest, caring, loving persons Daphne had the pleasure of meeting, helping and talking to. She had came to the Water Fountain a little over a decade ago and Daphne and Triple M had become instant friends. There was never a day that went by that Daphne wouldn't go to Triple M's room just to talk. To see if she needed anything. "Why didn't she tell me?", Daphne said.

"Probably because she didn't want to have to see you like this. Now wipe your face and get it together. We giving her a farewell party after dinner later. Let me get out of this room and get on the floor before they come looking for us." Annette walked over to the door. She put her hand on the doorknob. Before she turned the knob she turns back to Daphne. "I'm going to miss her too, Daphne. We got her cellphone number and she has ours." She opened the door and left Daphne alone in the breakroom with her thoughts.

Daphne goes into the bathroom and turns on the cold water. The tears have been falling for the past few minutes. She looks in the mirror at her tear stained face and shakes her head. She bends down and splashes the cold water on her face a few times. She grabs a handful of paper towels and dries her face. She looks back into the mirror and force a smile.

"Okay. Let's get this shift started." Daphne balls the paper towels up, tosses them in the trashcan and looks in the mirror one more time." I've seen worse." She chuckles at her own joke and her reflection, opens the door and exits the lounge.

Dinner had been over for a couple hours now and Triple M's farewell party was in full swing. There were tears of joy, sad tears, music. Triple M was seated in the middle of the party in her wheelchair. She was surrounded by nurses, housekeepers and dietary aides. Her children, grandchildren and great-grand children were there. Everyone was kissing and hugging Triple M. Triple M was smiling and looking beautiful as usual. She excepted kiss after kiss and hug after hug. An occasional tear would roll down her cheek while she smiled and laughed. Daphne walked over to the table which was full of pastries and pies. Cookies and fruit. There was pizza, finger sandwiches and an enormous basket of fresh cut fruit. Daphne grabbed a plate and studied the table full of delicious choices. She really didn't have an appetite. But it was easier to stand over there with the food than over there where the farewells was in full swing. Daphne felt the tears welling up once again so she shut her eyes tight. After a few seconds, her tears were no longer threatening to spill down her face. Daphne sigh deeply and selected a slice of apple pie. She grabbed a fork and jabbed it into her pie.

"I still cannot believe she is leaving," Daphne said to no one in particular. " I am going to miss her so much." Daphne shut her eyes again but couldn't stop the tears from falling this time.

"You really need to go over there, Daphne." Annette was standing there with a napkin in her outstretched hand. Daphne took the napkin and wiped her face. Annette grabbed a plate, placed a piece of blueberry pie on it and grabbed a fork and a couple more napkins. "I'm going to miss her too, you know? But we have her number and she has ours."

"It's not the same, Annette," Daphne sulked wiping her face.

Annette looks at her friend. She shakes her head and forks a mouthful of pie into her mouth. She chews it slowly studying her friend. She swallows, forks another mound of pie into her mouth and wipes her mouth.

"Look, dear. Everyone is pretty upset. Well not upset. Just mad. Mad as hell!" Annette paused to eat the last piece of pie on her plate. Than she grabbed another slice of pie. She ate a forkful and than continued. "I know two things for sure. Firstly, this pie is delicious! I have got to find out where they got this pie from. Damn!" Annette eats another morsel." This pie is really good."

"What's the second thing, Annette?" Daphne takes the fork out of her own slice of pie. After a moment she jabs the fork back into the pie. "I know that we have each others phone numbers and addresses. But we both know that is not the same. So now I know that the pie is good. But what's the second thing?"

"The second thing is you are going to hate yourself if you don't go over there. And this you know. And please stop attacking that piece of apple pie. It's innocent and has done nothing to you." Annette finishes her pie, takes Daphne's plate of pie and puts it on her now empty plate. "Go do what you need to do and get it together. Here. Take this napkin and wipe your face."

Daphne knew that Annette was right. She didn't want to say good bye nor did she want to be a messy, emotional wreck while saying good bye. She would definitely be a crying, sobbing, blubbering mess. She looked at Annette enjoying her third piece of pie, shook her head and forced a smile. Sighing, Daphne grabbed a couple of napkins. She gave one to Annette and tucked the other ones in her pocket.

"I know that you are right, Annette. And I am going over there right now. But please don't eat another piece of pie! There will be none left." Daphne didn't bother waiting for a response but she was sure she heard the words 'smart' or 'ass'. That brought a little smile to her face and some much needed encouragement. Daphne made her way through the smiling faces, laughing faces, sad faces. After a few minutes Daphne was seated in a the chair next to Triple M. Their eyes met and she embraced Daphne. A long,. tight embrace. An embrace that allowed Daphne tears to finally flow freely. Without shame. Without embarrassment. Just hot, burning tears. There was no need for words. They had known each other so long. For a few minutes they just hugged and cried.

"Hello Daphne. I thought you weren't gonna come and talk to me," Triple M said after they separated. She wiped her face with a handkerchief and went on. "I just didn't know how to tell you. But you already know we gonna keep in contact, right?" Daphne sniffed, nodded and wiped her face. The tears had stop falling. "I know that's right. Now I would like to let you know that I am going to miss you all. I love and appreciate all that you folks have down for me for the last fifty, sixty years. Shoot, I don't even remember anymore. Now listen. I gave your supervisor $100 gift cards for every, single one of you guys. Now that's not much...", Daphne opened her mouth to object but Triple M continued,"... and there is nothing you can say. but, thank you. Now this is what I need from you. I need you to come see me before you leave tonight. Okay?"

Before Daphne could say thank you or okay or anything, Triple M's youngest great grandchild, Quasim ran up to where they were sitting. He was quite excited and a little out of breath. A combination of sugar and partying no doubt.

"Hey Great Grammy!", Quasim said very excitedly." Mommy told me to come tell you that we should help you get back to your room. She says she wants to make sure you are in bed and comfortable before we leave tonight. And she says there a few more things to get ready for you to make sure you get out of here on time in the morning." Quasim turned his attention to Daphne. He smiled and threw his arms around Daphne's neck. Daphne hugged him and willed the tears back into her tear ducts. They hugged for a few moments. "Hi Miss Daphne. We gonna miss you! My great grammy always saying how much she love you!"

"Okay, Quasim. Go tell your mother to give me a few minutes." Triple M watched him disappear into the crowd of people and than she began. "Could I please have everyone attention?" The chatter and laughter quieted down until there was silence. " I have lived here for so many decades. And in those many, many decades, I have met so many wonderful people. You have all treated me and my family with so much respect, love and care. You folks have left a permanent place in my heart, mind and soul. You all with always be in my thoughts. And in my heart. You are like family. Actually you all ARE my family and I will never forget you."

A roar of applause, cheering and a few whistles. Several shouts of 'well wishes' and 'good luck' also came from the party goers. Daphne felt more tears coming.

"In closing, I just want to say I will always love and cherish the time I spent here and none of you will be forgotten." Quasim had emerged from somewhere and was ready to assist his Great Grammy to her room. "Alright! Parties over! I know yall got some work to do. Goodnight and love you all more than words could ever convey." The applause continues and Quasim gets behind Triple M's wheelchair and proceeds to navigate through the plethora of people wanting to say their last good byes, blow their last kisses. "Thank you all!! Daphne, I will see you later."

Daphne watched as Quasim walked his Great Grammy out of this room for the last time. She watched until the party goers blocked her view. Well, I might as well get something to snack on, she thought to herself. She was back at the table with all the goodies. She grabbed a plate and put some pizza and fruit on it. She grabbed another plate and got some cookies and slice of apple pie.

"You okay?" Annette walked up and placed her hand on Daphne's shoulder. Daphne nodded, sighed and took a little bite of her pizza. "Good. And you really need to eat more than that little bite." Annette looks at her watch. "Girl, we need to get on this floor and put these folks to bed! It's 9:00.

"You sure you don't want another piece of pie?" Daphne laughed and ducked out of the way of Annette's flying fist. "Yea. Let's go get these folks in the bed. And thanks for ..being you."

The festivities had been over for at least a hour and Annette and the rest of the second shift was sitting in the T.V. room waiting for 11:00 or for the arrival of the third shift workers. Daphne bypassed the T.V. room and headed down the hall to Triple M's room. Daphne has been working at the Water Fall for the past seventeen years and the hall has never felt so long. Her feet felt heavy as well as her heart. once again, tears began to well up but she fought them back. A few seconds later (although it felt like several minutes) Daphne was standing at Triple M's. She took a deep breath, held it for eight seconds and exhaled slowly. She lifted her hand to knock on the door.

"Come on in, Daphne."

Daphne dropped her hand, shook her head and chuckled a little. As long as she has known Triple M, she has always had some type of sixth sense. This wasn't the first time that Daphne was about to knock on the door and Triple M announced her before she could announce herself. Daphne lightly rapped on the door before entering. Triple M was in her bed sitting up with her back resting on the headboard. Her glasses resting on the tip of her nose and a novel in her hands. A red and yellow tote rested next to her. Her multi colored head scarf tied on her head while the matching multi colored robe laid over the foot board. All the family portraits and family pictures that had adorned the walls of her room were now all gone. The baubles, knickknacks and various stuffed animals given to her over the many decades were all gone. All packed away and ready to go. Triple M continued to read for a few seconds more. She took her glasses off and placed them on the tote. She licked her finger, creased the page and closed the book. After placing the book on her lap, she looks up at Daphne and smiles. Daphne smiles to, closes the door and walks over to the bed. Triple M pats the empty spot on the bed and Daphne crossed the floor and sits down. Triple M takes Daphne's hand and squeezes it. Daphne squeezes back and begins to sob. They share a tight embrace and they both just cry. No words just tears. After few moments, they pull away from one another and wipe their faces.

"You know, Daphne, I have been living here for over five decades and I don't have to tell you how long that is. I have been here longer than you've been alive!" Triple M throws her head back and laughs at her own joke. Daphne laughs too and Triple M continues." And you know, everyone has been beyond wonderful to me and my family. But you, my sweet, dear Daphne. You have always made my dark moments just as bright as the sun You shine so bright and I will always love you. I will never forget you." Triple M starts to rummage in her tote. " Now, I want you to takes this Kindle. The kids or grandkids insisted that I need one since you like to read so much... I don't even remember who or when..."

Daphne looks at her old friend. Old enough to be my GREAT grandmother, Daphne thinks. And her kids knew dang well she wouldn't want a Kindle. Besides, Triple M and Daphne agreed on many things and the old fashion way of reading would always be better than a digital read. She sighed.

"....but I am going to ask you would you like a brand new Kindle.. If I can find it in this bag of junk." She stops rummaging and smiles at Daphne again. "I remember when you first began calling me Triple M. I used to say: That is not my name. My name is Miss Mary Mimms!' And what did you say to me?"

" I told you that you are a triple threat! " laughed Daphne

"And when everyone started calling me that, I just decided to embrace it" Triple M turns toward her tote and begins to look through it again. " I am really gonna miss you, dear. Oh, here it is."

Triple M pulls an unopened Kindle out of the gag. She hands it to Daphne and began to get something else out of the bag. She retrieves two envelopes and a little black book that has a black ribbon tied around it. She zips the tote close and looks Daphne in her eyes. Triple M's face is serious and her usual smile is no longer there.

"Daphne this is very important. I am going to give you two envelopes and this little black book. One of the letters is for you and your name is on that one. This other envelope," Triple M lifts up a blank , sealed envelope. "This other envelope and this book needs to get to someone special. I want you to read your letter when you leave. wait until you get so you can keep them safe."

Daphne was shocked to say the least. She had taken the Kindle but hesitated to take the two letters and the black book. It's not that she didn't trust Triple M because she trusted Triple M with her life. Literally. And apparently Triple M trusted her. She reached for the items but stopped short.

"Can I ask you a question?" Triple M nodded so Daphne continued. " You have so many family and friends. Why me? Now, you already know that I will definitely do anything for you. But I was just wondering why me?"

Before she could answer, there was a knock on the door. Daphne checked her phone for the time. Ten minutes to eleven. It was the nurses making their rounds.

"Hold on, Nurse Beatrice." Triple M said to the closed door where the nurse was probably growing impatient. Besides she had fifteen other patients that was waiting for their bedtime pills. Triple M took an empty giftbag out of her tote and put the Kindle, the black book and the two envelope inside the gift bag. She gave it to Daphne. When she spoke again it was barely above a whisper. " Daphne I don't have time to tell you the answer. But when you read your letter you will get it. Follow the instructions and it will be well worth it. And , yes, I do have family, but I need an outsider .Someone who is not so close to the situation. Please and thank you Now you hurry up so you don't miss that trolley. Love you, darling. I will be talking to you soon." She gave Daphne one final squeeze on her thigh and smiled. " Okay, Nurse Beatrice. You can come in now."

Nurse Beatrice open the door and smiled at the two. She had two little pills in a cup and a glass of water.

"Oh , Daphne. I should have known you were in here holding up the show. We going to miss her too but you better get out of here so you don't miss your trolley." She playfully swatted Daphne towards the door turned her full attention to Triple M and teared up.

"You are so right. Ladies have a great night. Triple M. I'm going to miss you, I love you and we will see each other again." Daphne said as she was closing the door.

She jogged down the hall to the staff lounge. Annette was coming out with her coat and hat already on. She looked at Daphne and shook her head.

"I was just about to call you, girl. I know you two were back there talking like you got a ride or something." Annette said heading to the elevator ."I hope you don't miss your trolley."

"You know I walk fast. I'm good. Be safe on your way home." Daphne said entering the lounge. She grabbed her things and put them on. She clocked out, exited the lounge and made her way to the steps. " Alright people, I will see you tomorrow." She wasn't speaking to anyone in particular and she wasn't waiting for a response. She open the door to the stairwell and made her way to the trolley.

An hour later Daphne was home, showered and sitting on her couch. Her cat, Kitty, curled up in a ball next to her. A hot cup of tea, the remote and the gift bag were laid out on the coffee table. She picked up the remote and turned to a channel that played repeats of 80's and 90's sitcoms. That was a usual night for Daphne. She replaced the remote and picked up her mug. She blew the steam away, took a sip and place the cup back down. The studio audience was laughing wildly at something or someone. But Daphne didn't know what was funny or even what show it was. All her attention was on the gift bag.

"Kitty, would you believe I'm a little nervous?", Daphne said to her cat as she stroked her fur. Kitty stands up, stretches and curls right back into a ball. " Am I boring you, Kitty?,"

Daphne looked at the giftbag and sighed. She picked up her tea, sipped it thoughtfully and picked up the giftbag. She placed it on the couch, put the cup down and took out the contents. A brand new Kindle, a black book with a black ribbon and the two letters. She picked up the letter that her name on it and opened it. A single sheet of paper folded in three. Daphne open the paper a something fell to the floor. She picked it up and her eyes widen in utter shock and disbelief. It was a check. A check for ten thousand dollars. Daphne stared at the check unblinking, unmoving. Kitty jumped on her lap and brought her back to the letter in her other hand. She carefully placed the check on the coffee table and began to read the letter.

MY DEAREST DAPHNE,

Daphne, you have always been a wonderful young

lady and I was lucky to have had you in my life for

so long. I hate to give you this task but I know that

I can trust you and I have the upmost faith in you.

The other envelope and the black book must remain closed

until it get's to its final destination. I need YOU to take it there.

I have placed the directions on the back of this letter. I know

that you are off this weekend so please get that letter and that book

to Mr. C. Crawford. He will be expecting you. I love you and we will

see each other again. By the way, I know that you would never take

that check from me. Your welcome. You deserve so much more.

Daphne read the letter three times. She flipped it over and saw the directions. She was quite familiar with the transit routes listed. She placed the letter on the table and picked up the check. She couldn't believe it. The tears came but these were tears of joy. She scooped up kitty and bolted up from the couch She spun around and around with Kitty eyes wide and quite uncertain of what was happening. Daphne stopped spinning and Kitty got the opportunity to escape the impromptu dance. Daphne picked up the check and carefully folded it in two. She placed it on the table and remembered her tea. She took a sip of warm tea, made a face and put it down. She picked up the giftbag and the check. She grabbed the remote, turned the T.V. off and picked the cup up again. She walked over to the tiny kitchenet and opened the microwave. She put the cup inside , shut the door and hit the minute button. The microwave beeped and Daphne opened the microwave's door. She removed the now steaming cup and shut the door. Daphne took the giftbag, check, letter and tea to the bedroom. Before she can close the door, Kitty shoot past her squeezes through the gap.

"Oh, sorry Kitty. My mind is somewhere else. I am turning in early tonight. I have got a few things to mull over". Daphne clicked the light switch in the living room, entered the bedroom and closed the door.

Friday's second shift seem to move in slow motion. Daphne hadn't told anyone about the last conversation she shared with Triple M or the items that was in the bag, She didn't know why but her instincts told her to keep it under wraps. It seems as though her instincts were correct.

All of the aides were seated in the T.V. room and most of the patients were in the bedrooms for the night. The T.V. had some type of 'reality show' on the screen but Daphne wasn't paying any attention to it. That wasn't shows that Daphne like to watch. Even though if a football game was on she still wouldn't know what was going on. The elevator dinged and the doors slid open. A tall, slim well dressed woman stepped off the elevator. She adjusted her designer pocketbook on her shoulder and flung her hair over her shoulder. She stepped off the elevator and looked at the ladies seated in the T.V. room.

"Good evening, ladies. I was just wondering could any of you tell me what room Miss Mary Mimms is in?"

Daphne had never seen this woman in her life and automatically got on the defense. She wasn't the only one. Everyone of the aides was looking at this stranger in the night. Annette gathered her composure first and replied.

"Hello. How are you this evening? Can I have your name? I can let the supervisor know who you are and who you would like information on." Annette asked pleasantly.

The newcomer took off her glasses and looked at Annette from her head to her toes, sighed and put her glasses back on.

"Excuse me? All I need is Miss Mary Mimms room number," she replied short and full of anger, for some reason.

Everyone in the T.V. room was taken aback by this lady's tone and her abrupt change in attitude. After a full minute, Annette stood up and forced a smile. No. More like a sneer.

"Well because of H.I.P.P.A. ,your request must be DENIED," Annette said through grinning, clenched teeth." But I can point you in the direction of our supervisor. So he can tell you the same exact thing." Annette jabbed a finger down the hall, turned her back to the nameless lady and sat back down.

The lady opened her mouth to say something. She decided against it turned around and stalked down the hall in the direction Annette showed her. Her high heel shoes echoing loudly in the quiet halls.

"Annette, Ain't the super on lunch in the the office?," Daphne asked. Annette nodded." You are crazy, girl."

Everyone erupted in laughter as Annette winked at Daphne. The click-clack of the heels stopped. The whisper of a conversation between the lady a patient that hadn't gone to bed yet drifted down the hall. The click -clack started back up. The footsteps were hard and deliberate. She stalked by the seated ladies glaring at them all. They began laughing again. A few minutes later, Paul, the supervisor appeared with the unnamed lady by his side.

"Yes, we are definitely going to miss her too. But I have checked my office and the Lost and Found room. She didn't leave anything behind for you." they continued towards the elevator. She sighed heavily. She didn't seem to notice the ladies this time." But you know that because of H.I.P.P.A,, I can't give you any further details. But I'm sure you can..." Paul's voice faded away as the neared the elevator.

"I wonder who that was? She never told us her name. Daphne you ever see her before?" She shook her head no. "Yea, me either." Annette tapped her finger on her chin in deep thought. Than she shrugged and turned her attention back to the T.V..

Daphne was deep in thought. She couldn't help but to wonder was this lady connected to the black book Triple M entrusted her with. Someone was yelling at somebody else on the screen, but Daphne didn't hear anything. Annette snapped her out of it.

"Come on," Annette said getting up and stretching. "Let's get our last two people ready for bed. We won't be rushing out of here tonight. We not missing any buses or trolley tonight! It's Friday and it's our weekend off!!" She skipped out of the T.V. room laughing.

Some of the ladies laughed while others, realizing the time, jumped up so they could leave on time. Daphne shook her head and snickered. She got up and followed Annette still pondering the connection between Triple M and the nameless woman.

It was 6:00 in the morning and Daphne was at the trolley stop. She couldn't remember the last time she was anywhere this time of the day. If anybody could have her out this early it would definitely be Triple M, Daphne thought. She laughed aloud, adjusted her back pack and took a sip of her travel mug of hot tea. Inside the book bag was the letter and the black book. She looked down the street to see if the trolley was coming. It was about a block down maybe two. She checked her coat pocket for her wallet which had her transit card, a few dollars and the $10,000 check that Triple M had given her on her last night at the Water Falls. Daphne thought about it hard. Very hard. She couldn't keep it. It's not like she couldn't use the money (besides, who couldn't use ten grand?) But she just couldn't do it.

As the trolley pulled to a stop in front of Daphne, she retrieved her wallet. She held it tightly as the door opened. As she walked up the steps, she opened the wallet and took out her transit card.

"Good morning to ya, pretty lady." The bus driver said with a bright smile. "Have a great rest of your day."

"Good morning and thank you," Daphne said as she paid her fare. "I hope so". She smiled and walked to the back of the bus. She didn't want anybody sitting behind her. She shoved her wallet deep into her pocket, relaxed and prepared herself for the long ride ahead.

Daphne was on the final mode of transportation. She had transferred from the trolley to the train. And then from that train to another train, one more trolley and now this last bus. Daphne was tired. She looked out of the window as the bus pulled into the bus station. She saw a well dressed older gentleman with a black pea coat and a briefcase. There were other people out there, of course. It was a bus station. But the man with briefcase stood out and Daphne knew that that was Mr. C. Crawford. She stood up, felt the wallet in her pocket, put the empty mug in her back pack and walk down the aisle to exit the bus. When she got off the bus, their eyes met and Mr. Crawford confirmed what Daphne already knew.

"Miss Daphne, I presume?" His voice was deep and soulful. Daphne smiled and nodded. He offered his hand to Daphne. She shook his hand and pulled her into a quick tight hug. Daphne stunned, stiffen a bit and he let go and smiled. " I am so sorry. My sister has told me so much about you and how well you treat her. I'm just... happy to meet you."

Daphne smiled and hugged him. She released him and shrugged out of the bag on her back and gave it to him .

He smiled and took the bag. He went to unzip it but didn't.

"I know that everything is here." Daphne nodded so he continued. "Miss Mary asked me ask you for one more favor. Would you come with me. My car is that black sedan right over there. She just wanted you to meet the rest of the family. Won't take long. It's only about ten minutes away. Maybe fifteen. We have some food there and they would love to meet you." Mr. Crawford said as he began walking towards his car.

"Well I've been on public transportation for the past three hours. I think I can survive a few minutes in that very nice car." Daphne laughed as she followed him to the car. He opened the passenger for her and walked around to the driver side. He opened the back door and placed the book bag on the seat. He shut the door, open the driver's door and got in. He pushed a button on the dash and the car's engine roared into life. He shut the door and put the car into drive. " Yea, I think I will be fine."

The car moved effortless through the streets. Daphne looked out the window thinking. Thinking how to give the check back. She was thinking how Triple M just keeps giving even though she was gone. Daphne sighed and continued looking out the window.

About ten minutes later, there was a large nursing home. The car pulled to a stop as Daphne's eyes widen with horror. She couldn't believe it! She was sadden and angry. She turned to Mr. Crawford and then the car drove on. They were stopped at a red light, Daphne smiled and continued looking out the window. Minutes later, they were pulling up in front of a three-story brick house. The lawn was green and lush.

" We are here." Mr. Crawford said. He killed the engine and open his door. Daphne got out of the car and looked at the massive house in front of her. Mr. Crawford got out, opened He shut the doors and made his way to t the back door and grabbed the back pack. He shut the doors and began walking to the massive door. "Are you coming?"

Daphne nodded and followed him to the door. They entered and were in a foyer with high ceilings. Daphne was amazed. They walked through into a large living room. Mr. Crawford opened the book bag and took out the black book and the letter. He zipped the book bag and handed it to Daphne.

" I will be right back. Please have a seat." Daphne sat on the oversized couch. She didn't know was going on but she did smell some delicious aromas wafting towards her. " Please come in here.' Mr. Crawford called from then other room.

Daphne got up and walked towards the voice. The smell of the food made her mouth water as it got stronger. She got to the room where a long table was covered in food. There were several people talking and laughing. There was music playing coming from invisible speakers. Triple M was seated in the corner of the room next to a big window. Daphne ran over there and hugged her friend. Daphne was reaching for her wallet. Triple M put her hand on Daphne's through the coat.

"Don't even think about it. I gave that to you and it would be an insult to give it back." Triple M said firmly and Daphne excepted her fate. "I guess you met Cindy. I heard she was up at the Water Falls yesterday asking questions." Daphne opened her mouth to say something but Mr. Crawford came in with the black book, still tied with the ribbon and a piece of paper.

"Thank you thank you. We all appreciate you bringing this to us. It is very important to our family. And Daphne. This is for you."

Daphne took the paper from Mr. Crawford. It wasn't a piece of paper. It was a check. Another $10000 check. Shocked, Daphne shook her head and tried to give it back to him. He shook his head and went back from whence he came.

Triple M and Daphne was smiling, laughing and talking. just like old times.