Free Shades of Blue by Karen Kingsbury

they asked for, laughing with them at the funny parts along the way.
    When it was over, Frankie reached out and took hold of Kristin’s hand. “I like stories that make us laugh,” she grinned up at her. “Don’t you? Don’t you like those funny stories bestest of all?”
    “I do!” She turned and looked to Emma. “Can I take them out for recess?”
    Kristin was only with them an hour each Monday. Emma was quick to give her permission. “Absolutely. I’ll be right here.”
    It was another sunny day, another afternoon that made kids crazy for summer. They had just eight more days of school, so only one more Monday with Kristin. Emma smiled as the kids followed the pretty teenager out onto the play yard. She was like Kristin once a lifetime ago, innocent and glowing with faith. If only she’d stayed that way. She stood and moved to the window for a quick look. The glare of sunlight on the yard made it impossible for the kids to see her, so she sat on the sill and watched.
    With the patience and leadership of a mature college student, Kristin helped each of the boys and girls onto a swing, and then as they began pumping their way higher and higher, she snapped what looked like a dozen photos. Again Emma thought Kristin was moving more slowly than usual. Still, she managed to repeat the routine with each child, getting the boys and girls onto the swing, taking their pictures, and then helping them slow down and climb off the swing.
    Finally, when she’d taken photos of every student in a swinging position, she rounded them up to return them to the classroom. If God was listening, why wasn’t Kristin getting better? With her parents, her church, and Frankie praying, Kristin had more support than anyone Emma knew.
    Kristin brought the boys and girls inside and asked them to return to their desks. Then she looked at Emma, and her expression changed. “Can I talk to you?” she mouthed the words. Whatever was bothering her, it was considerable. Kristin never pulled Emma away from the kids during the school day.
    Emma raised her hand and smiled at the children. “Let’s say good-bye to Kristin.”
    “Bye Kristin … bye.” Their voices sang through the schoolroom.
    “Okay, class. I’ll be in the hall for a minute. I’d like you to pull out your reading folder and go over your questions and answers one more time.”
    The students did as she asked while Emma followed Kristin into the hall. Emma’s heart pounded, and suddenly she felt beyond nervous. Kristin never looked as serious as she did right now, so did that mean her condition was worse than before? Was her heart failure at another, more dangerous level? She folded her arms and stared at the girl. “Is … is everything okay?”
    “No.” Kristin shifted her weight, struggling to make eye contact. She pulled a packet from her purse and held it up. “I need your help.” She handed the packet to Emma. “I’m applying to Liberty University, and … well, I need a letter of recommendation.”
    Emma felt relief flood through her veins. If Kristin was looking at colleges, then she had to be doing better. Maybe they’d even located a heart for her. Emma took the packet and stared for a moment at the university logo on the front cover. “I’m happy to write you a letter.” She narrowed her eyes some. “That’s exciting … applying to college.”
    Kristin allowed a half-smile. “My parents don’t think so. They … they want me to wait until I have a transplant.” She shrugged. “Or at least the prospect of one.”
    “Oh.” Emma’s heart fell a little. “Where’s Liberty University?”
    “It’s a Christian school in Virginia.” Light shone from Kristin’s eyes. “It’s only six hours away. Not a bad drive.” She sighed and her enthusiasm waned. “I guess I want to be ready to live. You know, if things work out with the transplant.”
    “Well …” Emma felt tears pushing their way into the corners of her eyes. She blinked twice,