Chapter 19 - The Last Christmas Card
Five years after the Gucci Christmas, Julian married Rachel.
Small wedding.
Autumn.
Reading House courtyard.
His choice.
Rachel wore ivory.
Julian cried before she reached him.
Daniel would have mocked him lovingly.
At the reception, Julian found me.
“Mom.”
“Yes?”
“I have something.”
He handed me an envelope.
“Oh no.”
“Open it.”
Inside was a Christmas card.
The same generic design Brooke had given me years earlier.
Snow-covered mountains.
Season’s Greetings.
I stared.
Julian was trying not to laugh.
“Where did you find this?”
“Online.”
“You’re terrible.”
“Open it.”
Inside he had written:
Dear Mom,
Five years ago this card helped you realize we were treating you like an extra in your own life.
I wish you never needed that lesson.
But I’m grateful you taught it back to me.
Rachel and I bought our own place.
We have our own mortgage.
Our own utilities.
Our own terrible furniture.
Please keep your money.
Spend it.
Donate it.
Turn it into books.
Buy a sports car.
I love you because you’re my mother.
Not because of what may be left when you’re gone.
Love,
Julian.
P.S. Rachel says you are still not allowed to buy the sports car.
I was laughing and crying at once.
Rachel approached.
“I said no such thing.”
“Traitor,” Julian said.
I hugged them both.
That card went into the drawer beside all the others.
Not because cards mattered.
Because words did.
May you like
Intent did.
Respect did.
