A few minutes later, we’re all bundled up in our scarves and gloves. We’re just about to walk out the door when I hear Lily’s voice.

“Where are you guys headed?”

I turn around to see her curled up on the couch, her laptop, a mug of tea, and a bunch of papers spread over her lap.

“Um,” I say, “out?”

“Emma’s giving me a tour of the village,” Fina says.

Lily smiles. “That’s cool. Have fun.”

“Thanks?” I say, although it comes out as a question. I think this is the most Lily has said to me since my makeup tutorial. Since when does she care where I go on Saturday mornings? Or whether I have fun?

“So where are we going?” Fina asks as soon as we get outside.

“To find someone,” I reply.

We walk by Ruth’s house first, but she’s not in her yard today, so we start in the other direction, heading for Gloria’s place. Halfway there, we hit the jackpot.

Ruth and Gloria are outside the village hall. Old Joe is leaning against his tractor, which he’s pulled over to the side of the road so he can watch Gloria teetering on a ladder, strands of Christmas lights in her hands.

“Tighter, Gloria, tighter!” Ruth demands, banging her cane.

“Did I ask for your help?” Gloria snaps.

“Hi, Ruth,” I call. “Hi, Gloria. Hi, Joe.”

Three heads turn to see who’s calling them, and they all lift their hands to wave.

“This is Fina,” I say, pausing as we reach the lawn of the village hall. “This is Gloria and Ruth and Ol— I mean, Joe.”

Fina waves at them. “Here, let me help,” she says, striding over to the ladder and holding it steady. I follow her, take the knotted pile of lights on the ground, and start untangling them.

I can feel Old Joe studying my face as I walk by. I haven’t been out in the village much since I stopped wearing makeup, so I’m sure he’s wondering about my patches. He doesn’t say anything, though. Good. We have more important things to talk about.

“Well, thank you, dears,” Gloria says. “Now that is what I call helpful. You know, I’ve used these same lights for fifty-two years.”

“Isn’t it a little early for Christmas lights?” Fina asks.

“Certainly not,” Gloria replies. “Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and people expect these lights to be lit as soon as they’re done with their turkeys. They come from miles around to see them.”