Family-gathering goodbyes, which seemed to require several separate rounds and at least two additional containers of food.
Miriam packed bread, chicken, and pear cake into a basket.
Celia insisted we take blackberry jam.
Theo gave me a block of cedar and asked whether I would show him how to wire a model navigation light when he finished the second boat.
“Yes.”
“Next time?”
The words struck something tender.
“Next time.”
At the car, Elias walked with us.
Reid loaded the chair while I leaned against the open passenger door.
“You okay?” Elias asked.
“Tired.”
“You look better than yesterday.”
“I am.”
He stared toward the house.
“Thank you for what you said.”
“I meant it.”
“I have a therapy appointment Tuesday.”
“That was fast.”
“Miriam called while we were washing dishes.”
From the porch, Miriam lifted one hand.
I laughed.
“Good.”
Elias hesitated.
“Your compensation claim. It isn’t coming from us personally.”
“I know.”
“Do you?”
“Reid explained insurance.”
“I wanted you to hear it from me. Our home is safe. My family is safe. You receiving what you need does not take anything from them.”
Relief swept through me.
