The Power of Pan
Everyone was silent for several minutes, not quite knowing what to do next.
"Question number three," Jesse commanded in mock authority, "Why the heck did you leave the key in the wind chimes?" The group needed an ice breaker, and she was trying to gauge Julia's state of mind, but her silence seemed foreboding.
Claire said, "Now, that was your father's idea." Jesse looked over at the man who was her father and saw him differently now, her heart full of compassion.
It's sad, she thought, why couldn't I have mercy on him before?
"Found it, didn't ya?" Garrett replied.
Conrad looked at Mary and asked lightly, "So, whose family is more interesting now?" A running contest that kept their marital sparks flying.
"Well, I gotta hand it to you guys, you keep your sense of humor." Mary replied.
"We laugh to survive." Garrett said absently, without smiling.
"Hey, how'd we get the car back?" Conrad asked.
"Now that one almost got your father killed again; by me. It was reported missing when they found your dad, and located the next day in Bakersfield, at Chloe's sister's house. Your dad would not press charges. I swear if he hadn't still been so battered I would have given it to him again."
"She was pissed alright. Howled something fierce." Garrett added.
"Where's Chloe now, mom? Do you guys keep in touch?" Jesse asked. She was definitely intrigued about this woman who seemed to have such a powerful impact on her family. Garrett and Claire looked at one another for a few moments, and the air around them became thick and tense. Claire cleared her throat and shifted her glance to the woods as she spoke.
"About six months after Chloe's visit, we received a package from Bakersfield. Inside was a handkercheif and a letter:
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Mason,
I am writing to tell you that Chloe passed on a few weeks ago. She was so happy to have met you both after all this time. She was so grateful to Mr. Mason for saving her life, and said a prayer for y'all everyday for seventeen years. She talked every so often about finding you and thanking you, but something always seemed to get in the way. Our mother was bed ridden for many years, and somehow it fell to Chloe to live with her and take care of her. This took a lot out of her. After she died, Chloe met a man, got married and they had two beautiful daughters, but this kept her pretty tied down.
Four years ago, Chloe was diagnosed with cancer. It was pretty serious, and I didn't understand much, but she went through all the treatments and spent a lot of time in the hospital. Her poor kids practically lived there. After a while, Chloe told me the doctor said she was going to die soon because the cancer was spreading, and the treatment wasn't working. She was real upset because she never got a chance to make up to you all the trouble she caused your family. She's been keeping her psychic eye on you all for years.
You were very important to her. Her telling you about your being angels was a way of making up to you all the hardship your family suffered because of her. Ordinarily, folks have to come to see this for themselves, but Chloe's guardian agreed that the truth might not come out any other way in this case. Chloe was so determined to make a positive difference for you
all and wanted to pass over in peace.
Also, I am sending this hanky back to you. Chloe has kept it in this bag all these
years and must have forgotten about it. She showed it to me one time, but wouldn't even take it out of the bag because it still smelled like the inside of Mr. Mason's car.
Mr. Mason, thank you for saving my sister's life that night. You were very brave. You were Chloe's hero. She measured all men against you and used to ask her dates what they would do if they came upon a scene like the one you did that night, and Tommy was the only one who said he would step in, so she married him. Mrs. Mason, Chloe felt you two were kindred spirits, and asked me to tell you something that I don't understand, but she said you would: She said to tell you that she is here to report that according to the system, you aren't special, but if it were up to her you would be.
Sincerely,
Clementine Nash
"After we got the letter, we decided to move to Sedona. Even I couldn't deny that much reality." Claire concluded.
One by one, everyone made excuses to leave this truth-fest until only the two sisters were left. Jesse felt obligated to stay and stick it out, recognizing that Julia may need to talk out the processing of all this new information.
"So, that was pretty interesting." Jesse initiated.
"Don't test me, Jessie. I feel like I don't even know my family. Who are you people?!"
"No one is who we think they are."
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