Later, Laura called to ask whether I wanted to attend a pottery class with her.

I said yes before asking where it was.

She teased me about my sudden enthusiasm.

“I’m trying something,” I said.

“What?”

“Saying yes because I want to, not because somebody needs me to.”

At the class I made a bowl so lopsided the instructor kindly called it expressive.

I brought it home and placed it on the windowsill beside the rosemary.