Joanna turned to face Addison and then pointed to the glass-fronted commercial refrigerator across the room. “The milk’s in there. The sugar, if you so desire, is in here,” she said, picking up a covered sugar bowl on the counter behind her. “Spoons are in this drawer,” Joanna said, opening one in the island and closing it just as quickly. “And cups are in there,” she said, gesturing to a cabinet behind her as she headed for the door. “And now that you know your way around your kitchen, I’m going to go visit my father. Try not to make a mess.”

***

Knowing that Addison’s lunch on the weekends was always served at one o’clock sharp, Joanna delivered her father his tray at noon and then went about getting the dining room ready. Deciding silverware wasn’t necessary, she filled the water goblets, placed the linen napkins where they belonged and then returned to the kitchen to make one of her favorite meals.

When the clock chimed one, Joanna pushed open the kitchen door with her foot and carried two plates into the dining room. Placing one in front of Addison, Joanna walked the length of the table and took her seat, but before she could open her napkin, a voice boomed from across the room.

“What the hell is this?”

Joanna looked toward the heavens and prayed for strength. “It’s lunch. Grilled ham and cheese on farmhouse with crisps.”

“It’s a sandwich.”

“Why, yes it is.”

“There’s crust on it.”

Joanna fell back in her chair, and cupping her chin, she rubbed it slowly. Feeling her tension continuing to build, she rose to her feet and went to the kitchen, only to return seconds later carrying the largest, sharpest, weapon of singular destruction in the shape of a knife. She paused when she noticed the blood starting to drain from Addison’s face, but refusing to allow her amusement to show, Joanna went over and gingerly placed the knife alongside Addison’s plate. “Then cut it off, sweetheart. That is...if you know how to use a knife.”

***

Entering her father’s bedroom, Joanna placed the tray over his lap. “Hope you don’t mind chicken and rice casserole for dinner.”

Robert’s eyes lit up. “Millie’s recipe?”

“It took me a while to find it, but yes, none other,” Joanna said as she took two glass jar candles from the tray. “I also found these, just in case we lose power.”

Placing the candles on the bureau, she lit the wicks and then slipped the lighter back into her pocket. “Are you going to be okay if I leave you alone with this?” she said, returning to her father’s side.

“Of course. Though I can’t promise, I won’t make a mess.”