“Sorry. I’m not trying to put you on the spot.”
“No, that’s okay. I guess I’ve always wanted to learn
how to sew.”
“Sew?”
“Yeah. Like quilts and stuff. On a machine. I can do
some basic hand sewing, but I’ve always wanted to learn how
to make a quilt. I thought that would be cool. It’s something
you could have forever. I’ve never been very crafty,
unfortunately.”
“We should take a class! I’m sure there are classes!
Let’s learn how to do it!”
“Really? Seriously?”
“Yes!” I slap my hand down to emphasize, but I keep
forgetting we’re in a pool and I splash water into my own face.
I laugh as I wipe it away. I feel wonderfully light this morning.
Yesterday was amazing. Today is going to be awesome. I
know that I will remember this weekend seriously forever. A
quilt of my own kind of memories to treasure for the rest of
my life.
“Anyway, about your class?”
“Right! Sorry. I got off track. Right now, before I grade
the exams, everyone is passing. I think everyone did fine on
the test too. Everyone usually does, because summer school
lets us have time to work with students on a more one on one
basis, so it’s easier for them to get the help they need with the
areas they’re struggling. The class sizes are too big during the
regular semester, so I can’t really do that, as much as I want to.
Not that I don’t try. Because I do try, but—”
“I know you try. You care so much.” Adley gives me a
look filled with tenderness.