Walking in from the park, Sue was immediately greeted by the smell of spaghetti and meatballs. The aroma made her stomach growl. "Hey Luc, it smells great in here! You having company?"
"No. Just you and me tonight. You don't have plans do you?"
"Yes….I am eating spaghetti and meatballs! I'll get the garlic bread ready."
The pair worked contentedly together, then sat down and enjoyed the meal. They talked about Lucy's relationship, and Sue was happy to see the big grin that spread across her face. It seemed that things were moving along nicely.
When supper was finished and the dishes were washed, they both moved into the living room. Sue was ready to do some reading, and Lucy was planning to watch Bones. Always the romantic, she was waiting for Brennan and Booth to get together, and so she watched it faithfully.
On the chair in the living room Sue saw a large box. Lucy saw her notice it, and bopped herself on the head to show her dismay that she had forgotten to tell Sue about it. The box had Sue's name on it, and she knew exactly what it was. Jack had taken it to the post office for her the day before they left her parents home. Inside were things she had collected through the years, as well as some scrapbooks her mother had made.
Gingerly, almost reverently, Sue moved the box to the coffee table. Taking her keys she broke the tape on the top. Opening the package, she felt the weight of knowing she was only opening this box today because there was no one waiting at her parent's house to keep the things she had packed inside. A tear slid down her cheek. Lucy came to her and put her arms around her. Grief for all she had lost poured out of her. Finally, she broke away from Lucy's embrace, knowing that she needed to sift through the memories.
As she looked down, she noticed something that was unfamiliar nestled in the packing peanuts. It was a small box wrapped in plain brown paper. She lifted it out, unsure of what to make of it. Her hands shook as she opened it. Inside, she found a snow globe. Though it was small, the ice skater in the center was very detailed, wearing a light blue costume with one leg extended behind her. Looking back in the box she found a piece of paper with a note written in bold handwriting.
"Dear Sue,
When I saw this snow globe, I couldn't help but remember something you said to me the other day. You said it felt like your life had been turned upside down. This globe is beautiful when you leave it alone, and just let it stand. But after it has been turned upside down, you get a different kind of beauty. When the snow is falling and the glitter is catching the light, it catches your eye, and causes you to look at it until every piece is settled. Sue, you are beautiful in every way, and everyone who you come in contact with sees that. I wish that this had never happened to you, but I know that your beauty will be magnified through this time in your life. And I will be one of the many who stands by and watches in amazement. You have made me a better person, and I just wanted you to know. I am here for you.
Love,
Jack
Lucy stood quietly by. Sue handed her the note with tears still streaming down her face. By the end, Lucy too was shedding tears. Placing the note and the snow globe on the table, Sue started unpacking the box. She and Lucy sat looking through scrapbooks, and finding places for the treasures from Sue's childhood until the evening drifted into night. After Lucy decided to go to bed, Sue picked up the snow globe and the note, and went to her room. She laid them both on the nightstand, and went to her dresser. There she pulled out a well worn hockey jersey with the number 25 on it. Putting it on, she snuggled under her covers and fell asleep.
