PART 1 — A Suitcase for Lunch

Linda had brought a suitcase instead of her usual handbag, and Eleanor noticed it before my mother finished folding the church luncheon napkin.

“Robert is waiting outside,” Linda said.

“He thought we could try that garden cafe you like.”

My grandmother pressed the napkin flat against the kitchen table.

“I thought we were going to lunch after church on Sunday.”

“We can do that another time.

Today will be quieter.”

Eleanor put her medication list in her purse, along with her reading glasses.

She looked toward the front door, where the brown suitcase stood beside Linda’s shoes.

“Why did you bring that?”

“Robert thought it might be useful.”

“For lunch?”

“Mother, you have been talking about needing a little help around the house.

We thought we could look at a place that offers a few days of rest.

Just see what is available.”

Eleanor closed her purse.

“I did not agree to stay anywhere.”