“Fracking,” Ruth says. It sounds like spitting. Ruth has long been suspicious of the increased air pollution from fracking in town, tells Sister and Mano stories she hears of miscarriages, stillbirths, preemies that fit in the palm of someone's hand. Ruth is a retired labor and delivery nurse, has delivered half the population of Greeley, Colorado. Sister taught kindergarten to the Catholic ones. Sister loved those children, loves her sisters' children, loves all children. Mano painted landscapes and portraiture for money, built found-object sculptures for art. Now retired, the sisters drink coffee, play gin rummy, volunteer a few hours a week.

“We should call our senators,” Mano says. Mano is their activist. Member of the Sierra Club. Avid reader of Rachel Carson and Edward Abbey. “Make signs. Picket the corners.”

Ruth pokes Sister in the ribs, then points toward the ceiling. “What does your husband have to say?” Ruth means God, of course. She likes to tease Sister. It's lighthearted, this teasing. Ruth's love language.

Sister shrugs. “Man of few words,” she says. Mano and Ruth giggle.

“The silent treatment,” Mano says. “Sounds like all three of my marriages.”

“Maybe he thinks that after all these years he shouldn't have to tell you what to do,” Ruth says. “Maybe he thinks you should just know.”

“Well I don't. It's maddening.” Sister detangles the beads from her fingers, wraps them loosely around her wrist instead. Her sisters are having fun. She tries to relax.

Mano nods. “That exact kind of maddening caused two of my three divorces.”

“She can't divorce God,” Ruth says.

Her sisters look directly at her. Their dresses rustle. Their shifting weight makes the old kneelers settle and pop.

“You two,” Sister says, “are really snagging my knits.” This makes all three of them laugh, their departed mother's favorite way to chastise them.

Sister returns to her knees and to the rosary. She keeps the Book of Revelation clear in her mind's eye—Mother Mary sprouting eagle's wings to escape the beast, riding the thermals above the solace desert. Mary stalwart, borne by her solitary strength and faith. Mary rewarded.