The space between us felt like an ocean. I wanted to reach for him, but something held me back—maybe I was afraid to break whatever fragile thing we'd just started to repair.
"So, we started researching organizations," he continued. "Macy found Project Place. Did you know they specifically help women rebuild their careers after domestic violence?"
My breath caught. "She found Project Place?"
"Yes. She was looking through different websites, and when she read about Project Place, she got so excited. She said it was perfect because you'd told her once about how important it was to help women who needed a fresh start." He paused, studying my face. "She somehow knew you'd love it. She didn't seem to know details, but I assumed you were talking about Maliyah."
I touched the locket, my throat tight. "Yes. I had mentioned it, but a long time ago. I guess she held onto it." I had to think back—It must have been a year ago. I'd been writing a check to a charity and she'd asked me about it, having not seen a check before—Gen Z is Venmo, after all. 
I'd explained and told her much I admired women who had the courage to start over. I remember thinking of my sister, Maliyah—how far she'd come. 
"You're right, though, I didn't mention details—I'd never do that. Macy's just a kid. Plus, it's Maliyah's 온라인카지노게임, and I don't share the details without her permission." Damnit I forgot I told my sister I'd call her this week.
He nodded. "I figured as much. I know you wouldn't have told her about those details. It's a lot, too much really for someone her age." 
He went on. "There's more, though," Caden said gently. "When we contacted Project Place about the donation, we learned about their volunteer program. Macy suggested we shouldn't just give something up for what we did, we should also give our time." A small smile played at the corners of his mouth. "She said she learned in school about 'philanthropy,' and how giving your time can sometimes be as important as giving money.
I was crying again. My sister—what she went through—no one could know how deep this landed. 
He continued on, "Macy's not here to tell you herself, but she planned something else too. While we volunteer, she made a little folder with a 'menu' of experiences you could choose from. She wanted you to have options—something just for you."
I sat in silence, absorbing it all. That they chose Project Place felt bigger than coincidence. It felt like the universe trying to tell me something. 
"And the locket?"
"That was me." He shifted closer, just slightly. "I wanted you to have something that reminded you every day that you're part of our family. That you're seen. That you're loved." He paused. "The photo was Macy's suggestion though—she said it was a happy memory and could help you." 
I smiled through tears. "I remember that Christmas. I forced you both to take that picture. You were surprisingly compliant."
"She thinks we look genuinely happy in it."
"We were."
"I can't believe you two planned all of this together."
"We did. And Felicity—" He turned fully toward me now, his eyes intense. "I need you to know something. This isn't guilt. This isn't me trying to buy my way out of the mess I made. It's me trying to show you how special you are. That I was wrong. That I should have been giving you special things all along, showing you how essential you are."
I touched the locket at my throat again, feeling the weight of it against my skin. "Can I tell you something? About the purse versus this?"
He nodded, waiting.