Still, there was also was something reassuring about working for Commercial, almost hopeful. Like things that were lost could be found again. As we drove away, I always tried to imagine what it would be like to open your door to find something you had given up on.

All we had was her room, her stories, and the quiet that settled in as we tried in vain to spread ourselves out and fill the space she'd left behind.

"It's gonna be okay," I said. It was the first time in a long time that I believed it. "It will."

If things don't work out the way you want, hold your head up high and be proud. And try again. And again. And again!

Wherever you will go, I will let you down, But this lullaby goes on.

Wake up, Caitlin, Mr. Lensing had said. But what he didn't under­stand was that this dreamland was preferable, walking through this life half-sleeping, everything at arm's length or farther away.

I just have to be super strong when it comes to my work time. Shut the browser, ignore the email alerts, and just WRITE.