Up ahead, French doors were propped open to reveal a converted sunroom with skylights. Floor-to-ceiling windows gave scenic views of the lake and fold-out tables had been strategically placed to accommodate the card and board games that now engaged the residents. On one wall, the crackle of a fire from the stone fireplace fused with the harmonies of a soulful ballad to create a comforting ambiance. Deven couldn’t help but grin at the overwhelming sense of peace once she stepped into the room. It felt like home here. It reminded Deven of growing up, of Christmas mornings and lazy Saturdays with her parents. After Kennedy left, Deven felt a different kind of contentment, however serendipitous. She entertained that tiny ripple of nostalgia before scanning the room for Iris.

Her mother was seated with another woman at a table near the bay window. They were playing cards and by the looks of the grin plastered on Iris’s face, it was definitely a good day. She looked alert and jubilant, slapping cards on the table with the expertise of a pro in her prime. She certainly didn’t look like she had recurring days where she didn’t even remember her name, much less how to play a card game. So, this was certainly a refreshing sight to see.

As they approached, Iris’s companion brushed some scattered curls from her face and another wave of memories hit. Deven recognized the old lady, now laden in wrinkles, from years past. Her mom’s neighbor and good friend, Debra, always had candy and kind words for the girls. Not to mention a few stern looks when she caught them getting into neighborhood shenanigans behind their mother’s back.

It was she who spoke first when her eyes landed on Deven. “Well look a here, Iris,” Debra said, using the support of the flimsy table to help herself to a standing position. “My goodness, you girls have gotten so grown.”

“Hi, Ms. Debra.” Deven allowed herself to be folded in a motherly hug, the fragrance of hair spray and Chanel No. 5 wafting from her pores.

“Good to see you little DeeDee.” The pet name sounded funny rolling from the old lady’s tongue after all these years. She turned then to Kennedy and paused. Her eyes flickered over Kennedy’s face as if trying to place her. Uh oh. Deven cringed at the prolonged pause. She didn’t know Ms. Debra was wrestling with dementia as well.

“Ms. Debra you remember Kennedy, don’t you?” Deven prompted, touching her sister’s arm.

“Of course, I do.” Embarrassment colored her cheeks and a smile strained across her face.