Just then, Olga walked into the sunroom holding a tray laden with teacups, a pot of steaming tea, and various accompaniments like sugar cubes and lemon wedges. "Oh, my! Look at this mess," she exclaimed, setting down the tray, her eyes widening as they took in the room's cluttered state. "I apologize, Bunny. I normally wouldn't let anyone see the room like this."
"No need to apologize," Bunny assured her. "I think it's wonderful that you're so involved in your traditions."
Olga poured the tea, her hands slightly trembling but still remarkably steady for her age. The amber liquid flowed into the fine china cups, releasing a comforting aroma that mingled with the scent of Bunny's muffins. "Ah, traditions. Yes, they keep us grounded, don't they?"
With a soft clink, she placed the teapot back on the tray and then picked up her cup. "You see, I've been making these decorations and delivering them all over town. I've spent hours decorating Tall Pines Retirement Home. I even sent a batch of ornaments with Liz over to Tides Inn."
Bunny listened intently, sipping her tea and taking a bite of a carrot muffin.
"It’s really been consuming all my time, but I don't mind," Olga continued. "Do you know why? Because it's my little act of rebellion. My children, bless their hearts, have been urging me to move into assisted living. But what they don't understand is that I'm perfectly capable of living on my own."
Olga's eyes gleamed with a mix of defiance and sorrow. "This," she gestured broadly at the piles of Scandinavian Christmas artifacts surrounding them, "is my proof of life, so to speak. I want to show them that I'm not just some helpless old lady who needs constant watching. I'm active, involved in my community, and committed to my traditions. I'm still the mother who taught them the importance of heritage, the value of community, and the magic of Christmas."
Bunny felt her eyes moisten. She reached over and touched Olga's hand. "Olga, you don't have to prove anything to anyone. You're amazing just as you are."
Olga smiled, her eyes twinkling like the Christmas lights that she'd no doubt hung herself. "Well, sometimes, we do have to remind people, even our own children, who we really are. I hope they will come to see I’m fine on my own, though I do think I need something more, something bigger, perhaps.”
As they sat there, sipping their tea and discussing everything from the upcoming Lobster Bay holiday festivities to the current book Olga was reading, Bunny couldn't shake what Olga had shared earlier. Her words resonated in Bunny's mind like a haunting melody—needing something big to prove to her ownchildren that she was just fine on her own. Bunny wished she could help Olga, but how?
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Claire’s phone buzzed on the folding table next to a stack of “Adopt, Don’t Shop” flyers. She glanced at the screen and saw Marie’s name. “Excuse me, I have to take this,” she told Andie, Maxi, and Jane as she stepped away.
“Marie, what’s up?”
“Five dogs are coming up from New York,” Marie reported, her voice tinged with urgency. “We need fosters. Are you still up for it?”
Claire hesitated, thinking of her territorial cat, Whiskers. “I can’t, Marie. My cat would have a fit. But Rob Bradford said he’d be willing to foster one.”
“Wonderful! If you know of anyone else who will foster, let me know. Thanks, Claire.”
Hanging up, Claire rejoined the group, who were sorting through some donations. “That was Marie. Five dogs need fostering because of the flooding in New York.”
Jane looked up from a box of leashes. “Are you taking one?”
Claire shook her head. “No, but Rob is.”
Maxi grinned mischievously. “Rob’s spending so much time at your place, you might as well be taking one.”
Claire felt her cheeks warm. “What? Are you guys stalking me?”
Maxi rolled her eyes. “Nope. It’s obvious.”
Jane looked up from the box of leashes she was sorting through. “That’s great that Rob is doing that. I know a foster is only temporary, but having Cooper has really enriched my life. Dogs just bring so much joy.”
Claire cast a playful glance at Jane. “Having Mike around seems to have had a similar effect on you.”
Jane’s face flushed a delightful shade of pink, and her eyes sparkled with happiness. “Well, I can’t argue with that.”
Claire glanced up from the donation jar as a rush of fresh air swept into the tent, heralding the arrival of four women loaded with shopping bags expertly balanced in their arms.
“Jane!” one of them said.
Jane turned, and her eyes lit up in recognition. “Everyone, meet Carol, Susan, Betty, and Margie. They’re staying at Tides. Ladies, these are my dear friends—Claire and Maxi, and you already know my sister, Andie.”
Pleasantries and handshakes were exchanged, filling the tent with a warm camaraderie.
“So lovely to meet you all,” Claire said, gesturing toward the table filled with pet-themed trinkets. “This is the animal rescue charity tent, in case you didn’t notice. Proceeds go to our local animal rescue.”
