“You don’t need to speak if it isn’t safe.

Stay on the line.”

The voice was professional, almost ordinary.

It was someone doing a job in an office, talking into a headset.

I had never been so grateful for the ordinary world to exist.

From the porch, Garrett said, “By supper she’ll be ready to apologize.”

Loretta replied that he should not let me back inside until I promised to behave.

Delia wondered whether they would have to cancel a visit from a cousin the next day.