I’ve heard it said,
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn.
And we are led to those
Who help us most to grow if we let them.
And we help them in return.
Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true
But I know I’m who I am today
Because I knew you.
Stephan Schwartz
Grabbing the last two grocery bags, Hutch mounted the steps to Starsky’s apartment. As always, he imagined he was a mountain climber on a trek up Everest, hiking past the tree growing through the deck and into the open front door.
Starsky had left his bags on the floor near the kitchen without unpacking them. He was hunched in abject despair at the dining room table, staring down at a letter. A rectangular piece of paper dangled from his left hand as if he wasn’t sure it was real or not.
Hutch deposited his load on the kitchen counter before brushing a consoling palm over Starsky’s slumped shoulders. “What did you find in the mail?”
Offering up the check, Starsky inhaled, tears glinting in his eyes. “From Terri’s family.”
“Twenty-four thousand dollars?” Hutch read the amount on the check, totally understanding Starsky’s stunned expression. “What is this for?”
“Y’remember how Terri used to buy a quart a milk every day?” Starsky’s voice was lanced through with jagged pain. Continue reading “December 12th: Because I Knew You by Dawnwind”