I Walked Away Seven Years Too Late But Right on Time novel Chapter 274

"When did you and my mom learn to dance?"

"Back when I was in college, the school brought in instructors to teach all the freshmen the basics. When I went home for winter break that first year, I taught your mother. It was the dead of winter, and we were out in this empty clearing by the river. The wind was freezing, but we danced until we broke a sweat. Your mom always had better rhythm than me; she picked it up instantly."

An image instantly painted itself in Sophie's mind: two teenagers, eighteen or nineteen, twirling gracefully by the riverbank. It had to be a memory neither of them would ever forget.

"There wasn't much entertainment back then. Dance hall tickets were pennies. Whenever I came home for the holidays, I'd take her out dancing. She loved it. She even made her own dresses, copying the designs she saw in magazines. When she spun around on the floor, she looked absolutely beautiful."

Harold was lost in the memory, a nostalgic gleam shining in his eyes.

"What did you say to her out there?"

"I told her that I'll always be here when she needs me, and when she wants her space, I'll keep whatever distance makes her comfortable."

Sophie fell silent.

"I also told her that if she stays single, and I stay single, we can always dance the cha-cha at Silver Oaks Senior Living." Harold chuckled, busting out a quick, exaggerated salsa hip sway to prove his point.

Even though there was a quiet sadness to his words, Sophie couldn't help but laugh.

"I actually got the idea from George. Mrs. Weaver's son doesn't approve of their relationship, so they've already decided that once they're too old to help out with the grandkids, they're moving into assisted living together. You can't always get everything you want in life, but it's the best compromise they could come up with. If your mother is willing, she and I could move into the same community one day. We'd be able to look out for each other."

A bittersweet ache settled in Sophie's chest, but maybe this was truly the best ending her parents could hope for.

One found her inner peace, and the other found forgiveness and redemption.

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