“I need to call Sam. You go ahead.” Just then her phone sang. “Hi, I was just going to call you.” They swapped the normal beginning stuff before Ginny asked, “You all want to come here for supper? Thought we’d do hamburgers on the grill and something out of the freezer. Amalia brought up lettuce for our favorite salad so we’re a go with that. Addy and Amalia are starting the cookie baking. I think Addy went through withdrawals while you were gone.”

Sam replied, “If you want. No ball practice this afternoon so how about six? You have hamburger buns?”

“I have no idea if there are any in the freezer or not. You better bring some and ice cream to go with the cookies for dessert. She wants to know if she can stay here tonight.”

“Up to you.”

Ginny leaned against the deck railing. It would give Amalia a break but what if I go into one of the crying jags or cry or shout in a dream? I seem to be doing that. And waking up crying. I don’t want to frighten Addy. And that means I should move back into my bedroom so she and I are not sharing the downstairs bedroom. Like Amalia and I are. She heaved a heavy sigh. It was as if someone had pulled a plug in the bottom of her foot and all her energy had drained out.

“We don’t have to do this, Mom, if it is too much for you.”

“I know but I want you all around. I want to catch up on your lives again, I’ve missed you.” When I was coherent enough to think of someone else.

“Up to you.”

Ginny yawned. “I might have to lie down for a while.” A euphemism for falling down the well again.

“Look, we’ll bring Addy home for tonight. Supper is enough for the first time.”

“Okay. I’ll get the patties out of the freezer and one of the hot dishes. I have onion and lettuce for the burgers but no tomatoes to slice. No chips, as if we need them.”

“Sounds good. And, Mom, actually you sound more like your old self.”

“Good. Later. I love you, son.”

“And I you.” His voice choked as she ended the call.

She made her way into the kitchen. “I hate to do this but do you mind if I go lie down for a while?”

“You okay, Grandma?” Addy turned from cracking eggs into the mixing bowl.

“I will be.”

“You’ve done well.” Amalia was measuring flour. “We’ll call if we need you.”

“Addy knows where everything is. I’ll get the stuff out of the freezer. Addy, you want to come carry it up here?”

“Sure.”

Ginny lay down on the twin bed that had been her hiding place as well as her sleeping place. For a change, she fell asleep before a tear attack.