Six Years After One of My Twin Daughters Died, My Second One Came from Her First Day at School, Saying: ‘Pack One More Lunchbox for My Sister’

shadow of the daughter I’d never known.

***

The first day of first grade felt like a fresh start. Junie marched up the sidewalk, pigtails swinging, and I waved, praying she’d make friends.

I spent the day cleaning, trying to scrub off my nerves.

The grief changed us.

“Relax, Phoebe,” I said out loud. “June-bug’s going to be just fine.”

That afternoon, I continue reading …