“Who’s that?” asked Hope.

Linnea looked at Cara with mock indignity. “She doesn’t know The Wizard of Oz?”

Cara lifted her shoulders. “She’s only six. Those evil trees and monkeys… I think Baum had older children in mind.”

“Oh, please. Let me read it to her. It’s a classic.” Linnea lowered to meet Hope’s eyes. “You’re not afraid of witches or scary trees, are you?”

Hope’s eyes were round, but she shook her head. “No,” she said with a hint of doubt.

Cara laughed. “If she wakes up in the middle of the night, it’s on you.”

“Oh, she won’t,” Linnea said, then turned to Hope. “It has a happy ending. Let’s read it.” Then looking back at Cara, she added, “Even if the Wicked Witch of the West tells me not to.”

“Who’s that?” asked Hope.

“Later,” Linnea answered with a wink. Straightening, she asked Cara, “Want to go to the deck? I have wine? Coffee? Water?”

“Nothing. Thanks. I have to leave in a few minutes.” As they began walking to the oceanside deck, Cara’s dark eyes focused on Linnea. “So, tell me, what’s up?”

Linnea gestured to the patio chairs under the pergola. They sat while Hope hurried through the porch doors into the house to the toy bin that was filled with Hope’s playthings. Linnea pulled her hair back into her hands, then let it go with an exhale.

“The aquarium is closed until further notice. I’m furloughed.”

Cara’s face reflected her shock. “My God. But of course they had to. The coronavirus is shutting down everything. They can’t allow people to gather. Still, it’s sobering.” Always practical, she asked, “How are you fixed financially?”

Linnea shook her head. “You know what my salary is. I’m in trouble.”

“Savings?”

“None to speak of. Even with you helping with rent, I’m not sure how long I can keep afloat.”

Cara waved her hand. “Forget the rent for now.”

Linnea was awash with relief. “Seriously? Are you sure?”

“Don’t be silly. These are hard times.” She put her hands on Linnea’s shoulders. “Back when I was in financial”—she lifted her shoulders and her lips in an ironic smile—“and emotional trouble, my mother welcomed me into this little house, knowing I’d find my way. And I did. And now, it is my turn to offer the same to you. This is what we Rutledge women do. We take care of each other. And other women as well. It’s a tough world out there for women, as you’ve just experienced.” She let her hands drop. “So, darling girl, no thanks necessary. This is your legacy. And the purpose of this dear house. With so many blessings, we pay it forward.”

Linnea felt the responsibility of her aunt’s mandate profoundly. This was a passing of the torch. There were no words, so she remained silent.

Cara said, “Frankly, I’m more worried about the aquarium. How long will they be able to survive with their doors closed? They still have all those animals to feed and house.”