"What do you mean?" Brett asked, standing by the door.
"Nothing," she muttered, embarrassed to have spoken her thoughts. It was more a feeling, an emotion, something that could not be described in words. Almost like a poem, where each reader held a separate opinion on its meaning.
"I understand," he said, surveying the room as if he hoped to one day be in Charlie's shoes. "Take all the time you need. I'll feed the troops." After the door closed, Megan cleaned.
The simple task of removing the sheets and blankets seemed near impossible with trembling hands. Tears blinded her and Megan sank to the floor. "Thank you, to whomever, for helping me help Tracy. Thank you for giving her the best gift ever."
Calmness washed over and offered renewed strength and energy. After the room was cleaned, Megan headed outside. The smell of hotdogs and hamburgers lingered in the air. Idle chitchat moved around the table.
"You helped?" Christa asked Jason.
"Didn't do much but let Tracy break my hand," Jason said rubbing his hand.
"That was cool, Jason," Danny said.
"Thanks, man," Jason said.
Megan smiled at the civility. She doubted anything would dispel Jason's excitement. Despite his queasiness, tears filled his eyes when he saw Rose. He even deemed himself her big brother and promised to return to the Circle M to watch over her and teach her to fish. "I do believe he'll keep his promise. This is one summer he'll never forget," she said to herself. "This is a summer I'll never forget."