“Fine,” I said. “I’ll tell her.” I backed out and shut the door. Justin seemed a bit more animated today. All day yesterday he had appeared depressed, occasionally almost catatonic in his lack of response. A good night’s rest had helped, I supposed, along with a little distance from the events of yesterday.

Julia had finished her tea by the time I got back to the kitchen, and I offered her more after I relayed Justin’s message. She declined.

“You’re welcome to visit with Justin in here,” I said, “but you might be more comfortable in the living room.”

“This is fine,” Julia said. “As long as you don’t mind. This is such a lovely, comforting room.”

I glanced around it with affection. Yes, it was comforting. When Aunt Dottie was alive, it was usually the center of the house, the room where she spent so much of her time. I liked to think her warmth and generosity lingered here.

“It is that,” I said. “Why don’t you stay and have dinner with me, you and Justin both? Azalea left more than enough for the three of us, and I can guarantee it will be delicious. That woman is a wonderful cook.”

Julia smiled. “I really shouldn’t impose on you after all you’ve done already. But I can’t face the thought of going home to cook for myself. Thank you. I’d love to have dinner with you.”

“Hi, Mama.” Justin came clattering into the kitchen. Yes, he was definitely more animated tonight. He bent to kiss his mother on the cheek. She touched his head as he did so, and he didn’t move for a moment.

“If you’ll excuse me, I’ll just run upstairs for a few minutes,” I said. “Then if you’re both ready to eat, we’ll have dinner.”

Julia smiled her thanks, and as I headed for the stairs I heard her relaying my invitation to her son.

I dawdled in my bedroom, wanting to give Julia and Justin enough time to talk. I wondered whether Julia was going to tell her son about Ezra’s health problems. She ought to do it soon. Postponing it wouldn’t be doing Justin any favors in the long run.

Diesel did not appear, and I figured he was downstairs with Justin. He was really fond of the boy, and Justin certainly seemed attached to the cat. Diesel always seemed to have the ability to sense when someone needed comfort, and right now Justin did. If Diesel could help Justin through the difficult times ahead, I was delighted and very thankful that such a special four-legged friend had come into my life.