That was when I began to cry.

Not because she had discovered a solution, but because someone had remembered I was a person who needed looking after too.

“Come over,” she said.

“Bring the turkey.

I don’t care if it’s Christmas morning.

I have potatoes and plenty of room.” The invitation was so ordinary and so generous that I almost refused it out of habit.

Then I covered the dish, put on my winter coat, and went.

PART 5