I was grateful for that ordinary service.

At home, Emily helped carry the napkins to the table.

I nearly counted them, remembering Patricia’s complaints, then stopped.

There were enough for four people and one cake.

If we needed more, we could get more.

I didn’t have to keep obeying preferences nobody had earned the right to impose on this afternoon.

Rebecca arrived early and held a folding chair steady while I hung decorations.

Emily stood back and inspected them.