All the Bright Places

Taylor Prayer Chapel was created as a sanctuary for
weary travelers to stop and rest along their way. It was
built in memoriam to those who have lost their lives in
auto accidents, and as a place of healing. We
remember those who are no longer here, who were
taken from us too soon, and who we will always keep
with us in our hearts. The chapel is open to the public
day and night, and on holidays. We are always here.
And now I know why Finch chose this place—for Eleanor and for me. And
for him too, because he was a weary traveler who just needed rest. Something
pokes out of the Bible—a white envelope. I turn to the page, and someone has
underlined these words: 
“Then you will shine among them like stars in the
sky.”
I pick up the envelope, and there is my name: “Ultraviolet Remarkey-able.”
I think of taking it to the car to read what’s inside, but instead I sit down in
one of the pews, grateful for the sturdy, solid wood underneath me.
Am I ready to hear what he thought of me? To hear how I let him down?
Am I ready to know exactly how much I hurt him and how I could have,
should have, saved him, if only I’d paid more attention and read the signs and
not opened my big mouth and listened to him and been enough and maybe
loved him more?
My hands are shaking as I open the envelope. I pull out three sheets of
thick staff paper, one covered in musical notes, the other two covered in
words that look like lyrics.
I begin to read.
You make me happy,
Whenever you’re around I’m safe inside your
smile,
You make me handsome,
Whenever I feel my nose just seems a bit too
round,
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