“Why?”

“Smoke cleanup is covered under most homeowner’s insurance policies. Either Sam or I can call them and get the cleaning process started.”

“I don’t remember who I have. What a dumb move that was.”

Amalia decided to ignore that comment. “Does Sam know?”

“I suppose.” She levered herself upright and stood for a moment.

“You dizzy?”

“Just for a second. I always stand and wait like that for my balance to catch up with me. PT taught me to do that.”

Habit can be a good thing. “I am going up to scramble some eggs. Maybe you could eat a few bites. I’ll make the coffee too, just in case. Unless you’d rather have tea.”

She heard Spook at the door and went to let him in on her way upstairs. Her phone, set on vibrate in her pocket, caught her attention. “Good morning.”

It was MJ. “How is she?”

“Up and getting dressed. Sam will be here any time. Mike is coming at ten.”

“Can we bring you anything?”

“Not that I know of. Going to try to get her to eat a bit.”

“How bad is the smoke?”

“Air is clear but the odor needs cleaning, I’m afraid. I need to take care of that. I’ll get the insurance called to start as soon as possible. I’m sure everything needs to be scrubbed down or commercially cleaned.”

“Did she sleep?”

“Didn’t want to wake up.”

“Don’t blame her. I think we are all in a state of shock. How will we handle all the food that people will want to bring if you can’t use the upstairs?”

“No idea. Hadn’t thought about it. Let me know if you come up with a plan.” She smiled as she said it. MJ always had a way to do things. “Talk later. Thanks.” She clicked off.

Ginny’s phone chimed again. Amalia let it go to voice mail. She was tempted to turn it off. She’d see what Sam wanted to do.

Upstairs she ignored the stink and set about fixing breakfast. When she didn’t hear any activity, she went down the hall to the master bedroom. Ginny was half dressed and lying on the bed.

“You need some help?”

“Can you bring Fred back?”

“Sorry, my friend, sure wish I could.”

“I know. Stinks in here.”

Amalia picked up the blouse Ginny had pulled off the hanger. “Here, stick your arm in.” Ginny did as told, but when it came to buttoning, her hands stayed braced against the comforter. Amalia buttoned the shirt, put shoes in front of her feet. “Slide your foot in those, then go wash your face and brush your teeth, comb your hair.”

The tears dripped off Ginny’s chin.

Amalia took a couple of tissues and mopped her friend’s face. She picked up her hand and pulled her upright, then steered her to the master bath. “Can you manage? I can comb your hair and wash your face but you have to brush your own teeth. Oh, my dear friend. I know everything feels like too much. We’ll get you through today and then one day at a time.”