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It would be a year before Beyford witnessedNew Year's in the prison I finally escaped I hadn't a choice, I couldn't not attend lanced out the plane'sas it descended into Philadelphia A shiver ran throughtowers It's hard for enesis in the innocuous landscape below, even as Philadelphia cahted splendor Its toxicity non-evident until ate, when even the ers bounded out of their seats in a race to stand in the aisle

While waiting for the last of the passengers to exit, I reread Diane's letter

Dear Ja the difficult circu, I beg of you to come ho presents; believe me, who realizes this more than me? But, it also affords us an opportunity like no other to make a fresh start, to put our pain behind us - at least momentarily - and celebrate e have

James, I hope you realize the importance of your presence; in it, both your father and I share the opportunity of being graced by both our children In your absence, we ift If you chose to coain; I also will be able to see the reflection of Shannie in your eyes

I hope to see you over New Year's, if not before

Love,

Diane

I refolded the letter and shoved it into rabbed my backpack and sauntered up the Jetway I could hear Russell's crusty old voice: " Co home ain't ice crea Diane andarm-in-arm Despite their smiles they wore the past year on their faces The crow's feet edging Diane's eyes sharpened, the lines in her forehead etched the coat hid a still well cared for body Her blond hair still cascaded over her shoulders like a college student's I'd feared she'd chop such artwork for the sake of her assistant dean-ship "Welco and kiss

"Thanks Moood to be home," I punctuated our fuzzies with a white lie