“Grandma said I can live with her if I want.” Mary’s innocent words sounded like a large metal bell dropping from the ceiling. “She has a pink bedroom, all ready for me.”
Becky’s mouth fell open. With her bowl of ice cream pushed to one side, she asked Mary if that’s what she wanted to do.
“Not really. I have to go to school ’cos Mrs. Graham said we’ll miss out on being in the play if we aren’t in class. Tommy said we have to listen to her ’cos she’s our teacher.”
Sean was grateful to Mary’s classmate, even if Becky looked as though she was lost for words. “When’s your next practice for the school play?”
Mary looked at Becky.
“It’s on Tuesday,” she said flatly.
“I told Grandma about the play. She said my dad enjoyed being on the stage, too. Did you know he had a wonderful voice? Grandma said he sung in front of lots of people.”
“He did.” Becky’s voice was unusually quiet. “He used to play in a band called the Four Brothers—except they weren’t brothers, they were friends. They toured from County Derry in the north to County Cork in the south. They had a grand time, spinning their tales and singing original ballads to their fans.”
“What’s a fan?”
Becky tucked a stray strand of hair behind Mary’s ear. “Someone who likes what you do. Whenever I could, I’d travel to where the band was playing. They always had a crowd of people listening to their songs.”
“Do I sound like Daddy when I sing?”
Becky’s eyes clouded with tears.
Sean could see how difficult it was for her to talk about Mary’s father.
“Your voice is strong and true, just like your dad’s. He couldn’t have left you with a better gift.”
Mary picked up her dessert spoon and ate another mouthful of ice cream. “Sally gave Sean and Matthew lots of gifts, except they were animals. Do you think she could bring some to our house? We have plenty of room.”
“It’s hard for us to have pets,” Becky explained. “I’m not home during the day and you go to school.”
“What about a kitten? Catherine and Toby said they play all by themselves when they’re at school.”
“How about we think about it?”
“That’s what you said last time.”
Becky took a deep breath. “’Tis a big commitment to provide a forever home to an animal.”
Mary’s bottom lip quivered. “Grandma said I could have two kittens at her house.”
With eyes full of worry, Becky glanced at Sean before returning her attention to Mary. “What else did Grandma say?”
“That she loves me. Why was she sad when she said that?”
“I’m not sure. Maybe she misses your dad.”
“Do you?”
Becky nodded. “Your mom and dad were two of the nicest people in the world. They were strong and courageous, and loved you and each other very much.”
Mary sighed. “I wish they didn’t have to go away.”
With more strength than Sean could have managed, Becky reached out and held Mary’s hand. “So do I.”
His heart pounded as he looked at Becky’s pale face. The grief of losing two of her closest friends was still too raw to overcome with a kind word or a special memory.
He only hoped Mary’s grandma didn’t make everyone’s life harder by taking Mary away.
