by Meg Lelvis
“Nice neighborhood, Tommy,” Sherk said. “Some of the trees and flowers remind me of Munich.”
The three men strolled in silence for a minute or two. Birds sang, and everything smelled fresh and green.
“It’s been a good day, guys,” Sherk said as he kicked a pebble into the grass. “Thanks for inviting us.”
“Yeah, Ma insisted,” Jack said, then something inside prompted him to add, “but I wanted you here too. You’re absolutely part of the family.”
“You’re stuck with us now,” Tommy added. “But your trip was good for me too, the end result anyway. I’ve been almost able to let the old man go. To figure out—” He paused, gathering himself. “To finally get what probably caused his demons. Go on with things.” He shook his head, looked pointedly at Jack. “I’m damn lucky Mary’s put up with me all these years.”
Jack recalled the time, decades ago, when Mary walked out with the kids. Said Tommy had a month to straighten out, or she’d call it quits. He shaped up in a hurry.
They turned the corner and ambled along the sidewalk. An older man approached them walking his German Shepherd. When the gap between them bridged, Jack smiled. “Nice dog.”
The man returned the smile. “Thanks. He just turned five.” He kept walking.
“Well, perhaps you can put the journal and the war, and even Monika behind you, and be happy in what you have, namely your family.” Sherk, ever the wise one.
Jack thought for a few seconds. “Yeah, let’s hope Jenny doesn’t get any ideas about tracking down Monika if and when she goes over there.”
But he agreed Sherk was right about leaving the past behind. Ariana’s story had tapped into the recesses of his mind and reached undiscovered places. On a broader scale, his awareness had become sharper of people coping in times of turmoil, beyond their control. He thought of his pa’s buddy, Bill, who had seen the weak become strong, and the strong become weak. Could something like the Third Reich happen again? In America?
Jack suppressed that thought, and instead, thought of his family. A family bonded by secrets. Right or wrong? Not for Jack to decide. For now, for the first time, he treasured the love generated by this family, these folks who would always be on his side. He was getting soft, but that was okay. At last.
. . . . .
And all because of a letter composed decades ago, written by someone far removed from them, but who had gently filtered her way into their lives. Some for better, some for worse.
. . . . .
A girl on a bike pedaled by, braids flying in the breeze. Jack thought she’s lucky to live in this time of peace. He hoped she’d stay safe.
He stepped over a crack on the sidewalk. “Did I tell you guys I’m gonna meet with the director of the Citizens for Animal Sanctuary?” Jack knew damn well he hadn’t told them. Hadn’t told anyone.
“No,” Tommy said. “About expanding it?”
“Yeah. Gotta do something worthwhile.” Jack hoped his idea would fly. He had the means now to add two new wings to the shelter. In memory of Karen and Elizabeth.
“Jack, you’re on a roll,” Sherk said. “As I said once before, ‘Hope is the thing with feathers.’”
Jack stopped and pointed to a tree. “And I see a bluebird.”
He didn’t, but it sounded good.
About the Author
Meg Lelvis grew up in northern Minnesota and taught English and psychology in Houston and Dallas. Her fiction and poetry have won awards from Houston Writers Guild and Houston Writers House. Her first novel, Bailey’s Law, won the 2017 Maxy Award for best mystery. Meg’s second Bailey novel, Blind Eye, won Maxy Award’s second place for best mystery in 2018.
A Letter from Munich is her third novel. Meg resides in Houston with her husband and two dogs.
Note from the Author
Word-of-mouth is crucial for any author to succeed. If you enjoyed the book, please leave a review online—anywhere you are able. Even if it’s just a sentence or two. It would make all the difference and would be very much appreciated.
Thanks!
Meg
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