“Yes.”

“Then go inside and eat something hot.” She hung up before I could thank her, which was how I knew she was frightened.

So I went inside.

Marlene had the pot in her hand before I reached the counter.

“Coffee, honey.” She poured without asking, and it tasted like the bottom of a can that had met fire once and never recovered.

“You look like a parade walked over you,” she said.