They Doubted His Pine Trees Until Nineteen Eighty Eight Proved Him Right

working inside it.”

Tom smiled. “That sounds expensive. College teaching you that?”

They stood quietly. After a while, Emily said, “Do you ever wish Mama had seen it?”

Tom’s smile faded. “Every day.”

“She would’ve believed you.”

“She did.”

He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper, old and soft at the creases. Emily took it carefully.continue reading …