Chapter 24 - LUCILLE’S FINAL VISIT
Lucille’s health declined the following winter.
She asked to see the gown in person.
Mercer & Reed arranged an accessible private visit before opening hours.
Teresa brought her from Philadelphia.
Mom waited beside the display.
When Lucille entered, her eyes found the gown immediately.
“So that old thing survived us,” she said.
“Barely,” Mom replied.
They sat together beneath the photograph of their younger selves.
Lucille examined the corrected plaque.
“They spelled my name right.”
“I threatened them.”
“I knew you were useful.”
Sophie brought out Lucille’s notebook, now professionally preserved.
Lucille touched the cover.
“I thought nobody would ever open it.”
Mom took her hand.
“I’m sorry I didn’t look for you.”
“I didn’t look for you either.”
“We were busy surviving.”
“That is a poor excuse.”
“It is also true.”
Lucille laughed.
Before leaving, she asked the apprentices to gather around.
“Do not let anybody pay you in promises,” she told them.
Mom added, “And document everything.”
Lucille pointed toward her.
“She learned that late.”
“So did you.”
The two women argued cheerfully until Teresa announced it was time to leave.
At the entrance, Lucille turned her wheelchair toward Mom.
“Evie.”
“Yes?”
“We did beautiful work.”
Mom’s face softened.
“Yes, Lucy. We did.”
Lucille died peacefully three months later with Teresa beside her.
Her family requested that donations support the apprenticeship fund.
The program received enough to add a seventh apprentice the following year.
May you like
Lucille’s chair at the opening ceremony remained empty.
Her notebook did not.
