I pulled the refrigerator door open.

On the top shelf sat a jar of yellow mustard, an empty glass pitcher and a half-eaten tub of sour cream.

Both crisper drawers were completely bare.

“What happened to last week’s grocery money?” I asked.

Margaret folded the dish towel in half one more time, lining up the red stitched corners with care.

“Prices have gone up everywhere, Naomi.

Things just cost more now.”