The wrought iron fence creaked open, and she started across the lawn. The breeze gently caressed her hair, as if trying to comfort her. Her thoroughly worn Converse Allstar sneakers sank lightly into the emerald grass with each step. Even though it was the middle of the day, no other living soul inhabited the area. Every now and then a car rushed past, not stopping, not caring. It was the first time she'd been home from school in a long while; she regretted not having come home sooner. Through a maze of granite, she made her way to a specific spot.

When she'd reached her destination, she knelt and addressed her cousin. "Happy Birthday, Billy." She took the backpack off her shoulder, and opened it. She took out a piece of paper and set it before him. Then she set a rock on top of it so the wind wouldn't be able to claim it. "That letter says I made the Dean's List this year." She smiled at the words she spoke, knowing he was proud of her. "Passed all of my classes, got the lead in the play." She turned to the woman next to him. "Here, Aunt Gertie." She gave the woman the white lily she'd been holding. "This one's for you." Turning back to Billy, she took a photograph of the two of them out of her bag. It was in a simple black frame. "This is the picture Gary took of us when you were up visiting me last time. I've been keeping it on my desk, but I figured you'd want a copy. I can always get another one from Gary." She set the picture next to the letter. "Um, I thought you should know that I put the money you gave me into a savings account. It's got a pretty good interest rate, so by the time I graduate, I should be able to get an apartment and pay off all my loans." Her voice quieted; she didn't know what else to say to her cousin. "I miss you," she whispered. "So much."

Next to the other items, she dropped the white rose that had also been in her hand. She leaned forward and kissed the icy granite, a tear finally sliding down her cheek. Gathering herself, she stood and looked down at the two gravestones, but focused on that of her favorite cousin, her only cousin. Her lungs filled with the deepest breath she'd ever taken in her life, and heaved it audibly back out again, shuddering as it escaped. "Goodnight, sweet prince. And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest." She turned and jumped, startled by the man she hadn't noticed standing behind her. "Uncle Bud."

"Hi, Maggie." He looked awkward, like he didn't know quite what to say next. Instead, he surprised her again by catching her up in an embrace. He'd never hugged her in her life; she'd never seen him hug anyone. Letting her go, he looked more awkward than before. His eyes dropped for a moment, and then he timidly matched her gaze. "Can I ask you something?"

"What's that?"

"He hated me, didn't he?"

Maggie was stunned into silence for a second. "No. He resented you, but he didn't hate you."

"What's the difference?"

"The difference is that he didn't like you, not one bit. But he loved you anyway."

His eyes dropped to the ground again, ashamed. He dug the toe of his boot into the grass a bit, then blew a sigh. "You know, that house has been really empty the past couple of years. Maybe you could come over for dinner once in a while."

She smiled up at the man. "Yeah; I'd like that." With a nod, she picked up her bag again, slung it over her shoulder, and turned and left her uncle with his wife and son.