He nodded.

Then he picked up a towel and began drying dishes without being asked.

Out in the garden, Grandma’s laughter floated through the open window.

I realized it had become a sound we heard more often again.

PART 16

A year after the wedding, Grandma turned seventy-four.

She refused a big party, so we organized a small lunch at her house.

The guest list included family, a few neighbors, and the women from her Wednesday card game.