“‘Sz’ sounds like bees buzzing,” Sadie said. “Will you teach me again about some of the winds, so I can tell about them in school? Our teacher likes it when we share different things with our class.”

“I’ll write the names of the winds down for you, sweetheart. My goodness.” Amelia looked at her wristwatch. “It is getting late, and we have a long ride back to the hotel. We have to turn in our film.”

When the workshop came to an end, Amelia moved about saying her good-byes.

Martha Dinsk said, “I’ve enjoyed having you in the workshop.”

“I’ve loved being here. You’ve given us a memorable experience, and I appreciate it that you allowed me to bring along my daughter and granddaughter.” Amelia no longer felt the need to explain that Miriam was not actually her daughter, but was the daughter of her deceased husband with another woman, a good woman, as Amelia had come to think of Stella, Miriam’s mother, also deceased.

“Remember to send me a copy of your books,” Martha said. “I look forward to seeing your work. You’re a fine photographer. Hard to imagine you’ve been at it for such a short time.”

Standing close together, Ben and Miriam seemed unable to part. “Will I see you again?” he asked. “Can I visit you in Covington? Would it be all right with Amelia, do you think? I don’t think she likes me.”

“Amelia takes time to warm up to new people and new ideas. You’re welcome to visit us, and I am sure Amelia will be glad to see you, as will Sadie and I.”

“The days flew by,” he said. “I loved every minute of it. Meeting you was the best part of this entire experience.”

“I’m glad Amelia suggested we come along. Thanks to you it was a very special time.”

Sadie tugged her mother’s hand. “Come on, Mama. Grandma’s waiting, and we’ve got a plane to catch in Albuquerque. I can’t wait to get home and show my pictures to Tyler.”

31

Randy Attempts Suicide

“Grace.” On the other end of the phone, Myrtle Banks was crying.

“What is it? What’s happened, Myrtle?” Grace’s heart raced. Something terrible had happened.

Myrtle sounded desperate. “Randy. He’s done gone and tried to kill himself.”

It took a moment for her words to register. Weeks ago, Grace had arranged a meeting for Randy with a counselor at the veterans hospital. Randy had agreed to go and said that, no, he didn’t need her to drive him. He had thanked Grace and said, yes, it was time he talked to a counselor. In the weeks that followed, she hadn’t heard from Randy, Lucy, or Myrtle, and Grace assumed that he had kept that appointment and was seeing a counselor.