She tapped on the door and pushed it open. “Supper is here.” She stopped and grinned. “Well, look at you, up and sitting in the chair. How wonderful! And you used your walker.”

Lily slapped a hand at the walker beside her. “When did that thing get so heavy? Felt like I’d walked half a mile just from the bed to here.”

“Ah, but you did it, that’s what counts. Now, can you eat in the chair, or do you need to go back to bed first?”

“I am so sick of that bed.” She sent a glare at the bedroom. “Something sure smells good.”

“Just call me the soup lady. Put this in the Crock-Pot this morning and the fragrance of chicken soup made it all the way into the hall before I got back.” She went through the same procedure as at Agatha’s and, while the soup heated, pulled the tray over in front of the chair. “What do you want to drink?”

“Too late in the day for coffee, so it better be tea.”

“No decaf?”

“Nope. The cupboard is a’gettin’ bare. Give me the herb tea, please.”

Amalia smiled. “If you give me a list, I could pick up a few things tomorrow.”

“Thank you, but it might be easier if I call the grocery and have it delivered.”

“That place doubles their prices all because of their ‘free’ delivery. I’m sure MJ would shop for you. I’ll write the list while you eat.” Amalia set the plate with soup bowl and bread on the tray and pushed it up to the chair.

Lily bowed her head for grace and inhaled after her silent amen. “That smells like a bit of heaven in a bowl.”

“Can you manage?”

“Slow but sure. Like that old turtle we talked about.” Even though her hand shook, she got the spoon to her mouth and savored the flavor.

“Agatha dipped her bread in her soup. Might be easier. Oh, by the way, I brought the recipe along for when you are feeling better.”

“Not easy to knead bread anymore.” She flinched when trying to turn her wrist. “Blasted old Arthur. Never did like that name.”

“I know. Arthur-itis wants to take up with all of us. Equal opportunity disease.”

“That sure be the truth.” She took another long sip.

“But the good news about this recipe, no kneading. You mix the ingredients one day, let set in a covered bowl, let it rise, scoop it into a pan, let it rest, then in the oven. I like to slash the top, sprinkle on coarse salt, and bake it in a hot oven. Can’t fail.”

“You serious?”

“Now, would I lie to you? All the instructions are on that card. My son gave me the recipe. He’s baking bread all the time now. Folks think he is some kind of genius chef just because of that bread.” Tell her about the UFO group or not? Amalia decided to leave it ’til later as she noticed Lily staring at the bowl as if her head was too heavy to hold up anymore. “How about I help you back to bed?”