He laughed.
Michael carried a bag of groceries into the kitchen.
“I brought the ingredients for Dad’s beef stew.”
I smiled.
“You’re cooking?”
“Thought I’d give you a day off.”
I handed him an apron.
“Then you’ll need this.”
He tied it around his waist and began chopping carrots.
I took the wedding china from the cabinet.
I’d kept six place settings from the original collection.
The rest had been carefully packed and distributed according to what I wanted to preserve.
I placed three plates on the table.
Noah came running back inside.
“Can I help?”
“Of course.”
I gave him the napkins.
He folded them carefully and placed one beside each plate.
Then he looked at the empty fourth chair.
“Grandma, aren’t you inviting someone else?”
I glanced at the clock.
“My friend Ruth is stopping by for dessert.”
“The one who lives near the park?”
“That’s right.”
Noah smiled.
“Good. Then we need another plate.”
I took one from the cabinet.
He carried it carefully to the table.
In the kitchen, Michael called for help.
“Mom, where do you keep the thyme?”
