Keepsake

Throughout my schooling, father enlisted companions – poor but articulate girls who kept me focused. Caroline was my favorite, as she had a well-developed sense of fun. During mother’s parties, we slipped away to the woods, climbed trees, whorled about in semblance of dancing, fell laughing to the grass. One night, she shared with me her darkest secret. I promised never to tell – and haven’t.

A year later, she died in a hunting accident. I was the only one who recognized her, afterward. On lonely winter nights, I remember our whispered conversations, climb into bed, and let her pelt warm me.