Peri arrives at the art center first thing in the morning. Her goal is to complete the mural for the wall in the front room. Other than a few interruptions from art students asking her advice on finishing a project or two, she has plenty of time to get it done.
A few hours later, she steps away from her completed mural. And right on time to clean herself up and meet up with her friend, Kimmie.
Kimmie shows up about 40 minutes later. Although she’s the one who designed the whole art center remodel, seeing it in action, full of patrons and art students, is an altogether different experience.
Kimmie: It came out so well.
Prosperity: It did! It’s exactly how I envisioned it. I owe you so much.
Kimmie: I couldn’t have done it without Wild.
Hearing Wild’s name makes Peri’s heart sink. It’s been several days since she received Kimmie’s call informing her that her old friend had passed away. With Wild in mind, she and Kimmie enter the small vending area. Kimmie makes herself some coffee while Peri grabs a pastry from one of the machines.
They remain at the table long after enjoying their refreshments.
Prosperity: How are you adjusting – now that Wild is gone?
Kimmie: I don’t know that I am. Sometimes it’s like she never left – her residual energy can be so loud, still filling the apartment. But other times, our place is so quiet, unnaturally quiet – like a tomb. It’s at those moments when I feel lonelier than I’ve ever felt.
Peri can relate. Losing Waddell felt like that – and still does at times, especially when she’s here, where they shared many memorable moments.
Prosperity: You shouldn’t be alone so much. We need to get together more often. At least once a week. I know it’ll require a lot of traveling, but maybe we can make it work.
Kimmie: I’m willing to give it a try.
Prosperity: Good
We make our way to the beach around noon the next day. We’re all excited, but Dub is the most anxious because this will be his chance to test his new swimming skills in a much bigger body of water.
The water is surprisingly calm and inviting, making it the perfect place for swimming. I step in and am surprised that it’s slightly warm – undoubtedly from the hot sun beaming down on it all morning. Dub steps in behind me and takes to swimming like a fish to water.
Dub and I aren’t the only ones enjoying the water. Mase steps in and plops right down in it. Me-Me keeps a close eye on both of the boys.
Wade: Look, mommy! I’m swimming in the ocean.
Melisa: You sure are! I’m proud of you.
Once we’re tired of the water, we enjoy some time in the sand. But then, Me-Me gets a call from her sister, Lia, who’s anxious to share some good news.
Melisa: *on the phone* We’re here in Tartosa – on the beach. So you should come to hang out if you get a chance.
While Me-Me finishes making plans with Lia, Dub and I decide to try and make the best sand sculpture ever seen in Tartosa.
Wade: Ooh, I know, daddy! We should make a shark.
I’m not too confident about my art skills, but I’m willing to give it my best shot.
Our so-called shark begins to take shape – but winds up looking more like a dragon. After some time spent trying to whip it into shape, Dub gets bored and decides to play with Mase instead. Mase is happy to get some attention from his big brother. I step over to the grill while Me-Me lathers on some sunscreen and prepare to sunbathe.
Lia finally arrives, and Me-Me hurries over to greet her.
Melisa: Hey, sis! It’s so good to see you.
Jamelia: Good to see you, too.
Melisa: What’s the news?
Jamelia: What happened to small talk? It’s such a lovely day today – not a cloud in the sk-
Melisa: Lia! Stop playing
Jamelia: Okay, okay. I don’t have much to share, except that – *dramatic pause* Stephan and I are getting married.
Melisa: *extra excited* Lia! That’s fantastic news! Have you told mom and dad yet?
Jamelia: No, you’re the first to hear it.
Just then, Lia’s phone alerts her of a text from her new fiancé.
Jamelia: That’s him now. He had to man the bar at the restaurant because our regular bartender didn’t show up today.
Lia takes a moment to respond to the text.
It’s lunchtime, and I know the boys must be starving, so I prepare hamburgers. I call the boys over, and they come as quick as their feet can carry them.
(Generation 3 Chapter Summaries)
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