“You really think so? She’s so creative. I admire that about her, and her wit and humor. Look at what she’s accomplished since we’ve been in Covington, and she’d never owned a camera. I think she’s remarkable.”

“You two ought to tell one another how you see each other. It might get you past the small things that irritate you,” Grace replied.

“One of these days maybe we will.” They were quiet for a time. “You know, Grace, I’ve been thinking. Maybe I’ve taken my frustration about Max and Zachary out on Amelia. Not that she doesn’t annoy me at times, but not to that extent, really.”

“So, do something about it. Start a dialogue with Amelia. Have a good heart-to-heart. Now, I’d like to know about that lunch Bob had with Zachary and Max.”

“Bob didn’t tell you?”

“I haven’t seen Bob.”

Hannah updated Grace about Zachary, Jose, and the restaurant, and Max’s plan to sell the animals and equipment and close the dairy.

“Now, that’s almost too much news. When things start happening, they happen fast.” Grace set the ice pack straight on Hannah’s left knee. “I like the idea of the restaurant, and anything that’ll give Max and Zachary a point of common interest can’t be bad. But sell the dairy?” She made a clicking sound with her tongue. “Won’t that be like cutting off Max’s right arm?”

“He’s ready for a change, or so he says. I admit, though, it’ll seem odd with the dairy gone. I can’t say I’m fond of the smell, but I do enjoy watching cows graze on the hillside.” She smiled at Grace. “It’s time, he says. There’s a time for everything.”

Grace nodded and pointed to Hannah’s knees.

Hannah ignored that. “Max says he’s given it a lot of thought. He’s got plenty to wrap his arms about: me, the park, and now a grandchild.” Hannah was suddenly very tired. “Grace, my knees feel better, thanks to you. I need to rest, sleep perhaps. Can we talk about this later?”

“You bet. Rest. Is the ice still cold? Shall I get you fresh packs?”

“They’re cold enough. Thanks. I just need to rest.”

The lines on Hannah’s face seemed deeper, the wrinkles about her eyes longer, her hair grayer, almost white. Grace looked at her friend and thought, She’s tired, that’s all, and in pain. She overdid it today, like we all do sometimes. Do we think we’re impervious to aging, that we’re still fifty? We all have more lines and wrinkles than we did five years ago. She’ll be fine. She’ll be her usual self after a good rest.

Hannah’s eyes were closed. Grace bent and kissed her forehead. “Sleep well, dear friend.”