I texted Rhodes that my mother and I were safe and that I would be available for our scheduled work obligations.

He replied with a single line: Glad to hear it.

Take care of her and yourself.

That afternoon Mom did something I hadn’t expected.

She asked to visit her old friend Denise, who lived three streets away.

Denise opened the door and wrapped her in a hug that lasted a long time.

“I wondered,” Denise said softly.

“You stopped coming to book club.