We sit in an awkward silence for a few minutes before she speaks. “You’re right. There’s more to it.” I’m not sure if I should wait and let her speak, or if she’s waiting for an acknowledgement. I slowly turn my head toward her and settle my eyes on hers. “I went through a rough time a few years ago. I wasn’t sure things would get better for me. One day, Rick and Jo were able to knock some sense into me. When a Phoenix dies, it rises from its ashes to have a new life.” Her eyes leave mine as she rolls to her back and stares at the stars. “The tattoo reminds me of that. One chapter of my life may end, but that doesn’t mean a new chapter won’t come from the ashes. It probably sounds silly to you.
