appeared to be in no
way interested in selling。 Fortunately her parents had never learned of
the stranded car or the pneumonia fiasco； and they still knew absolutely
nothing about Mitch。
Anne was starting to feel guilty about that。 She had always been close
to her parents。 They had been understanding and solicitous during her
grief It occurred to her that they would want to know when she was
happy。
For she was happy。 Knowing that Mitch would be with her in Vermont； she
could face just about anything else that arose。 His giving her the key
was a significant gesture。 Now she had a steady tie to the place。
Since returning this last time； she had changed。 For one thing； she had
finally been able to pack up Jeff's things。 For another； she was smiling
more； laughing more； eating more。 For a third； she was going out more
with old friends。
Strange。 For so much of the last year her apartment had been her private
retreat； her sanctuary when she couldn't face the world。 Lately； though；
it was nearly as lonely as it had been in the dreadful days following
the crash。
She missed Mitch。 The longing grew with each day that passed； until her
only refuge was in work and the pany of others。 Even then； he was
never far from her mind。
Now； with mud streaks covering the bottom half of her once…bright yellow
car； she turned onto the famili