He sat on the bed. Firm but not too firm. Four pillows: two foam, two down. He rose and went into the bathroom to shower and shave.

In the kitchen, Hannah said, “Seems like a nice enough chap.”

“I can see why Miriam likes him,” Grace said. “He’s soft-spoken and has such a nice smile.” She opened the fridge. “Lord, this is a mess. I’m going to take everything out and give this a good cleaning tomorrow.” She closed the door and turned to Hannah.

“By the way, Hannah, I’ve been meaning to tell you. Randy Banks will be discharged from the hospital on Friday. He’s leaving to go to Kentucky to help the family of a boy he befriended who was killed over there.

“Bob hoped he’d work at the golf course and go to college. And he may come back. Randy needs to help that family. The boy was their only child. They’re farmers.”

“Bob’s really taken a liking to Randy,” Hannah said.

“It’s been wonderful for Randy and for Bob. If anyone needed a father figure, it’s Randy Banks. What that boy’s been through!” She stood in the middle of the room, hands on hips, scowling. “Most of those young men and women are coming home from Iraq with some type of psychological disorder. How could they not? It’s been well over four years now, and the government keeps extending their time or sending them back.” Tears filled her eyes. “I can’t talk about it. I get so upset. I can’t watch the news anymore.”

“I don’t watch the news,” Hannah said.

Just then, Ben walked into the kitchen. “Ladies, is this a bad time?”

“No. Not at all. Come on in and have a cup of coffee, tea, a Coke, and you must try my sugar-free cookies. Freshly baked,” Grace said. “Are you hungry? Can I make you a sandwich?” She opened the fridge. “We have several types of cheese, American, Swiss, an Amish cheese I bought at the tailgate market in Mars Hill last Saturday, and very good ham.”

“No thanks on the sandwich. I stopped and ate before I got here,” Ben said. “A glass of iced tea would be great if it’s not too much trouble.”

“No trouble at all. Hannah, why don’t you take Ben out on the porch? It’s a lovely time of day to sit out, and Miriam’s sure to be here soon. I’ll bring the tea.”

Grace stood on tiptoe to reach the iced tea glasses from the cabinet. Ice clinked as she filled them, then crackled as she poured hot tea over the ice. She added fresh mint grown on the windowsill and placed the glasses on a pretty tray along with slices of lemon, sugar, and Splenda for herself, then carried it out to the porch.

Miriam was sitting in a chair, close to Ben.