Marlene stepped out first wearing an enormous sun hat.
Sarah and Kate climbed out behind her.
Their hands?
Completely empty.
Except for purses.
The six children spilled across my lawn screaming.
Marlene opened her arms.
“Claire!”
She hugged me.
“I hope everything’s ready. We’re starving.”
I smiled.
“Almost.”
THE TABLE LOOKED BEAUTIFUL
I had set our outdoor table perfectly.
Fresh wildflowers in mason jars.
Cloth napkins.
Glasses filled with lemonade.
Everything looked like a summer magazine spread.
Sarah sat down.
“Oh, Claire. This is gorgeous.”
“Thank you.”
Kate immediately asked:
“Where’s the food?”
“Coming.”
I disappeared into the kitchen.
Then returned carrying one large tray.
Everyone leaned forward.
I placed it in the center.
Cucumber sandwiches.
Tiny ones.
Crusts removed.
Cut into perfect triangles.
Beside them—
a pot of black tea.
That was it.
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Even the children stopped yelling.
Marlene blinked.
Then blinked again.
