Just a Little Reminder by Tracie Puckett Page A

you that you’re capable of doing anything . I’ve seen it firsthand; if you can face two gun-wielding Miltons and still trust another with every beat of your heart, I’m honestly convinced that there’s nothing you can’t do.”
     

Chapter Ten
    **
    Monday, June 10
    “I went to sleep that night and slept for nine hours straight,” I said, watching a smile curve on Dr. Norwood’s gentle lips. “I didn’t wake up again until the morning.  And it’s been three nights now without a single nightmare,” I said, dropping my gaze to the floor. “It took me a while to realize it, but Luke was right. I had the potential to change all along; I just hadn’t recognized it.”
    Dr. Norwood sat back in her chair and listened intently as I continued talking.
    “It would’ve been simple had I only needed love, faith, and acceptance to beat the nightmares. But those things weren’t enough. I’d had them all along. Charlie and Matt, Bruno, Luke… they’d all loved me, accepted me, and had faith that things would change. But Luke had that one extra element that none of the others could’ve possibly had.”
    “And what was that, Julie?”
    “Insight,” I said, fighting a grin. “He helped me realize that I’m not the person I thought I was. He helped me revisit some of the most painful times in my life, and he showed me just how strong I’ve really become. It’s crazy, but I almost feel like he knew it all along. All I needed was a little reminder that I was capable, and Luke stepped up and showed me that I was. And it was only when I found the courage to believe him, to share my true feelings, and face those facts… it was only then that the dreams stopped.”
    I looked up to the clock and watched as the minute hand ticked closer and closer to the end of the hour.
    “I know we still have ten minutes, Dr. Norwood, but I think I’ve said all I need to say. I’m ready to go home now. I’m ready to start over and make the most of each moment while I still have time. I think I deserve that much. So, if it’s all the same to you, I think I’ll leave now. And with all due respect, I truly hope I never see you again.”
    **
     

Epilogue
     
    August 19 | Two months later….
     
    “Hey,” I said, catching Luke just as he turned to lock his apartment door. “Where are you off to?”
    “Oh, hey Jules,” he said, only turning to look at me for a brief second. “How was your first day on campus?”
    “Perfect,” I said, still beaming after a long day of walking, talking, and intent listening.
    It seemed like only yesterday that I’d started the job-shadowing program at the station—back when I had no idea what the future held. And then all of a sudden the months passed and I found myself enrolled in the fall semester at a local community college. No, I had no idea what to major in, but I wasn’t going to let myself get caught up in the details. I’d figure it out soon, and if not… well, who cared? I had all the time in the world, and I wasn’t in any hurry to rush a single thing.
    Matt had already been gone for two weeks, and we’d only heard from him every single day . He seemed to be enjoying the college experience so far, but it was easy to sense his homesickness. Some days he’d only call for a minute or two, and other days he’d talk for hours. And as much as I loved hearing all about his freshman adventures, I couldn’t wait for him to come home. I missed him like crazy. 
    And somehow—though I’ll never know how—Matt and I had both (slowly, but surely) gotten over losing Kara.
    Charlie and I had been back in the house for a couple months, and thankfully the termites were a thing of the past. Matt, Bruno, and Luke had all pitched in and helped Charlie with the necessary attic repairs, and I took the liberty of supervising the job and offered a lot of ‘ good job, fellas ’ encouragements whenever it felt necessary. 
    Shortly after we settled in, Charlie finally offered up Dad’s cedar