but we won’t be eating
until this afternoon.
I know—but
their heat is out.
So, I think
it’s an emergency.
Goodness, no heat in these temps?!
Mama Alice exclaims.
They must be freezing.
Mara—I’ll get the guest space set up.
They’ll be needing to stay over, I imagine?
Mom nods without skipping a beat.
Thanks, Al. Juniper—why don’t you go grab
a couple extra settings and chairs for the table.
I beam.
Thank you both
for being so cool.
Mom kisses me on the cheek.
Don’t you forget it. Your friends are always welcome.
But you’re still on dishes
at the end of the day.
Deal.I grin.
Fifteen minutes later
I throw open the front door
a gust of wind and snow
revealing Lyric and Ms. Viv
all bundled and carrying bags.
I’m sorry I texted so last minute.
It’s been a morning,
Lyric begins, still in the doorway.
