Chapter Nineteen

Nobody Said It Would Be Easy

Dani

Dad, Frankie, and I took sandwiches to Mr. Cunningham after mass on Sunday. We sat on the front porch enjoying our lunch. Dad told him of our meeting with Mr. Plimpton and how we had scheduled another appointment for next week. He then brought up the issue of Mr. Cunningham leaving his property. “This is entirely up to you, but we’d like you to stay at our house so we can help you understand all the crazy things going on in the world. Lifestyles have changed drastically; sometimes for the better; sometimes not. We’ve a modest home, nothing fancy, but I think you’ll be comfortable. We feel like you’re family and would be honored if you’d accept our invitation. As far as when this should occur, we don’t want to pressure you. However, if you come forward sooner rather than later, we have more time to find the bastard.”

Mr. Cunningham leaned back on his chair. “I realize this change is necessary. You’ve given me the impetus to make it. I want this monster punished more than anyone. Of course, I’m fearful of the world out there. I’m an old man. It’ll be difficult to grasp new concepts and new ideas. Until Danielle came on my property, I had resigned myself to a life of solitude, but the deaths of my family wouldn’t allow me to be at peace. And if I’m ever to have solace in what remains of my life, no matter what the inconvenience, I need to make this change.”

Mr. Cunningham stopped speaking and closed his eyes. He seemed to be considering the turmoil about to upset his current, quiet lifestyle.

Frankie softly uttered, “I’ll help you learn how to use the computer, and there’s lots of cool shows on TV we can watch.”

Mr. Cunningham smiled, but tears misted his eyes. “I’d like that very much, Frankie.” He then addressed all of us. “I’ll be ready next Saturday. I have some planning to do first. I’m going back into the house for one last time to collect anything I want to save.”

“Would you like us to go in with you?” I asked.

“No, I need to do this myself. I need to say goodbye.”

We left shortly after Mr. Cunningham made his decision. A very emotional week was ahead for him. His entire life was about to change—again.

That night I sat on the back patio thinking about Mr. Cunningham. Relaxing on the swing, I gently moved it back and forth. I closed my eyes and rested my head on the back cushion. I must’ve dozed off, for I heard children playing and water splashing. My eyes remained closed, but I saw kids in our backyard pool throwing a big, red ball to two men in the pool with them. One of the men looked like Dad. I got out of the swing to ask him why he was in the pool with those kids when I heard a woman’s voice. Then someone called my name. “Dani?”

I opened my eyes to see Grace and Dad standing over me. Dad apologized, “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were out here. It’s such a nice evening, we were going to enjoy it for a while.”

Groggily, I sat straight. “Oh, I must’ve fallen asleep. Dad, I had a weird dream. You and some other man were swimming in our pool with a bunch of kids playing ball. I haven’t had these weird dreams in a while.”

Dad had an odd look on his face. “Strange, when I was a kid my dad would take me swimming with Mr. Cunningham and his children. We’d toss around this big, red ball.”