Thievery, nothing short of old-fashioned thievery, took place right in front of that fountain. The setting: Elon University, Elon, North Carolina. The occasion: Emily’s graduation. The object of interest: The ice sculpture. Who would have done such a thing? There damnable deed demanded due process.
But that was in the past and in February, we came facing the future, one that envisioned Sophia and Tatum in college-stamped hoodies lugging laptops. Tatum’s verdict was a “probably not” and Sophia’s was a maybe enthusiastic “maybe.”
Now, the College of Charleston was a different story. It was of definite interest to both girls. Perhaps in part, Josie and I are to blame. We drove out to the marine biology lab and snuck in through the gated car park bars behind another visitor with a pass. We breathed in the smell of salt and marsh, ogled the shells, and felt like creative castaways. That was super fun.
The UNC schools were informative but not necessarily inviting, especially Wilmington, which Tatum claimed felt like a mental hospital. Um, no thanks?
However, we had a very nice stay in Wilmington with Noelle and Mica. Tatum even got up for our sunrise walk on the beach, although she also slept in the car after feeling the arctic sand under her bare toes. But the rest of us had fun. The night prior, we had laughed our way through dinner with Noelle’s mom and boyfriend, who were exactly as cool and funny as I have long imagined. Being a library professor at Appalachian State University who gets to take students overseas regularly sounds like a dream job.
Then it was time for Tatum’s delivery back to Staunton and Sophia’s first visit to Stuart Hall. We softened the blow by staying at Penmerryl Farm, with its startling stars and mint-loving equine residents. Our first college tour required some kind of restful element (for the mothers at least).
And as for who done it, the grandparents of course. Poppy and Grams stole the ice sculpture—it’s fate remains unknown, but I can assure you it’s not hidden in the attic.
@theterrace 