Nobody was leaving yet.
Not really.
They were all pretending they had things to do.
But they were staying because they knew Sadie needed people around her.
Then Mrs. Jenkins arrived.
Of course she did.
Her old sedan came flying down the driveway, as if she were responding to a five-alarm emergency.
Doris and Betty were packed inside with her.
Mrs. Jenkins climbed out carrying a casserole dish.
Doris had a bag of muffins.
Betty had flowers.
And all three women looked ready to cry.
Sadie saw them.
Her mouth trembled.
Then Mrs. Jenkins marched straight across the yard.
Pulled Sadie into her arms.
“You scared ten years off my life,” she announced.
Sadie laughed.
A small, shaky laugh.
But it was there.
“I’m sorry.”
Mrs. Jenkins pulled back.
Pointed one finger at her.
“Do not apologize for a crazy man being crazy.”
Doris nodded fiercely.
“Exactly.”
Betty wiped her eyes.
“We brought breakfast.”
Sadie laughed again.
A little stronger this time.
