“You have suffered two grievous losses in the past. Is that not true?” Thomas’s voice was almost a whisper.362Please respect copyright.PENANAVW4wXCfPZb
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“Yes, I have, but…” she was unable to finish.362Please respect copyright.PENANAJI4kdW7rI6
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“A little girl in an auto accident. And the miscarriage of a little boy not too long ago.”362Please respect copyright.PENANAnGVoTgvx3n
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Grace sat down on the stairs as Thomas’ caring voice overwhelmed her. He waited for her to answer.362Please respect copyright.PENANAhB7YNE9abZ
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“Yes … it’s true … but they died and I buried them.”362Please respect copyright.PENANAej2XzCMhq5
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“They did not die, Grace. No one ever dies. I have been looking after them since those fateful days.”362Please respect copyright.PENANAPChPN6SpRm
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“I don’t understand. Thomas? What are you trying to tell me?”362Please respect copyright.PENANAeov33ohhUt
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“I’ve been waiting for you, Grace, to tell you that they wish to return to you.”362Please respect copyright.PENANASQ2oMiYgfD
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“But that’s impossible,” Grace replied as tears welled in her eyes.362Please respect copyright.PENANAHsvwp6FoEa
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“Nothing is impossible.”362Please respect copyright.PENANAPdRnzsCFsX
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“But how?”362Please respect copyright.PENANAnK5tsZFZV0
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“You have separated from your husband, the father of these children. Is that correct?”362Please respect copyright.PENANAPCjHo8apFg
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“Yes, it is. The loss was more than Charlie could bear. He was so unhappy, I let him go.”362Please respect copyright.PENANA4KtNnN4fpF
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“He is not doing well. You need to find him.”362Please respect copyright.PENANATWZusl0XY3
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“I don’t know where he is.” Her tears overflowed their banks and cascaded down her cheeks.362Please respect copyright.PENANA6uSlXwtBE5
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“Not now, Grace. Tears will not help. Be strong and vigilant.” Thomas moved away from the railing.362Please respect copyright.PENANALVUcXzDMVO
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“Wait! Thomas! I want to see...” Grace rushed up the stairway to the balcony. “Thomas, please,” she looked in all directions, “Morris, where is he?”362Please respect copyright.PENANAYQ9Nje94hh
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Morris joined her at the head of the stairway, “I’m afraid he’s gone, my dear.”362Please respect copyright.PENANAqnz6hYGE0w
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“Maybe he’s...” Grace hurried to the back of the balcony and the alcove where she first noticed Thomas. The scattered afternoon sunlight danced through the balcony as the moving clouds overhead broke apart. Grace turned and looked at Morris and plaintively asked, “What am I going to do?”362Please respect copyright.PENANAYgjlaTsjIG
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“I believe Thomas gave you the answer, my dear. Be strong and vigilant.”362Please respect copyright.PENANAdeeYvdEdBK
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Grace turned and looked into the empty alcove. As she was about to leave, she stopped, bent over and picked something up from the floor. “Oh, my God,” she murmured. She turned and ran to Morris, “Look, Morris.”362Please respect copyright.PENANAioh02w9HOt
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“What is it, my dear?” Morris was pleased to see the joy on Grace’s face.362Please respect copyright.PENANANUvomqxAWn
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Grace held a small bracelet of colored beads, “This belonged to my Sarah. I placed it in the casket with her.” She turned and looked back to the alcove, “My baby boy!” She turned to Morris, “Do you think what Thomas said is true? Will they come back to me?”362Please respect copyright.PENANAACP1Bfptlt
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