We both knew that if Dad had been eating rabbit food, he’d probably be out on the tennis courts right now instead of recovering from bypass surgery.

“I know it’s major,” I said. “That’s why I’m happy to fill in for Wendy so you can devote yourself to kale and lima beans.”

“You think this is funny?”

“Am I laughing? I know it’s going to be hard on him and you. That’s why—”

“Yes, I heard you. You’re happy to drive here and care for the girls.”

Just minutes ago Wendy had insisted I move my entire life across the state of Florida to take care of her daughters. On top of that I was supposed to lie to our parents. I understood my mother was feeling stressed, but so was I.

“I promised Wendy I would help,” I said. “Would you prefer to handle it by yourself?”

“Of course not. I need you right this minute. I’ve never understood why you moved all the way to the other side of the state. You could have found a job near Seabank. And now, when I could use your help, you’re four hours away.”

“I offered to come and stay last week. You declined.”

There was another silence. I was getting tired of them. Mine, hers, Wendy’s. So many thoughts unspoken.

“When can you get here?” she asked at last.

“Not in time to pick up the girls, obviously. I have a party going on in my backyard. I have to pack. I have to assemble work to do while I’m there. It’s going to be eleven or so before I arrive, and everybody will already be in bed.”

“Then come tomorrow. I don’t want you disturbing your father tonight.”

“Can you manage until then? Can somebody else pick up Holly and Noelle?”

“You think schools today let just anybody make off with students? No. I’ll have to go and keep your father waiting, because I don’t have a choice. But he needs rest and quiet tonight. I don’t see how I can make sure of it.”

This kind of confession, and the slight tremor in her voice, were unheard-of, and I unbent a little. “I’m sorry, Mom. I really am. I wish I could sprout wings and fly, but since I can’t, I’ll just get there as fast as I can.”

“I don’t know why your sister called you.”

“Maybe because I’ve had so much practice disappointing you.” I hung up and went outside to find Sophie.

The party ended just before dark when clouds moved in, rain threatened, and my neighbors began to come home. The air felt unbearably heavy, and what breeze there was smelled of ozone. The crew straggled off a few at a time, and everyone except Sophie was gone by the time lightning split the sky and the downpour began.

As I packed, Sophie lounged on my bed, her laptop positioned so she could use the keyboard. At her feet was a growing mountain of jeans and T-shirts.