She squeezed Rose’s hand, and Rose squeezed back. “Thanks,” she said, looking up. She was astonished to see that Muriel was crying, too.

“Holidays,” Muriel said, trying to smile. “They make you happy and sad at the same time.”

Sixteen

When she left Muriel, the sky was deepening from blue to purple, and the lingering winter light seemed surreal. Rose didn’t see Wallace as she went back across the common. She didn’t mind walking home in the nearly dark but she worried about not telling Muriel what Wallace had said. The visit had ended so strangely, with Muriel apologizing for crying and Rose feeling embarrassed and curious but not wanting to pry. But then, what danger would she have warned her about? Wallace often did just talk nonsense.

Lost in thought, her pace slowed. A car pulled up beside her, and the driver’s voice gave her a start.

“I’m looking for the Danville Road.”

A man in a business suit and tie leaned toward the passenger window. He seemed vaguely familiar to Rose, but she couldn’t get a really good look at his face in the fading afternoon light.

“Danville Road? You mean route 7?”

“That’s the one.”

She had to think. “Go up three streets, take a right on Franklin. Then down a few blocks to North Beacon — ”

“Hold it, this sounds complicated,” he said, laughing. “A right on Franklin. Is there a sign?”

“I’m not sure. Some roads aren’t marked.”

He looked at his watch and frowned. “Just my luck when I’m in a hurry.”

“Well, if you find North Beacon you’ll come right to route 7.”

“Thanks,” he said. “Say, you wouldn’t want to hop in and show me where Franklin is, would you?”

It wasn’t until that moment that she realized her stupidity. She backed away from the car.

The street was lonely, with houses set back behind tall hedges. There was no one in sight, little traffic. Rose looked around in panic.

“Now, take it easy,” the man said. “Don’t worry. I’m glad to see you being cautious. Sorry I scared you, Rose.”

She was surprised. “You know me?”

“Rose Potter? I’m acquainted with your dad. Hey, I’m in a real rush; the wife’s not well.” He put the car in gear. “Guess I can find this Franklin Street….” He left the words hanging and looked hopeful. Now that he was ready to drive off, she felt safer. And a little sorry for him. It would only take a moment to show him Franklin Street. She noticed he had opened the passenger side door.

“Yo, Rose!” a voice called out.

Daniel was loping up the street toward her. Her heart hesitated oddly, then thumped to make up for the missed beat. Daniel looks beautiful, she thought, and forgot the car. She jumped as it pulled off with a roar.

“Who was that?” Daniel asked.

“Guy wanting directions.”