Michael wished Maggie would pay more attention to her mother but didn’t press the issue. He knew the problem. He sipped his beer.

Maggie stared into her glass. “I thought I’d drive her into town tomorrow. Maybe we could go shopping or something.” Michael worked hard to suppress his surprise and pleasure. He didn’t want to overdo it, but to have his wife and her mother together on a social basis was more than he could have wished for. It was, in fact, an answer to his prayers.

“I think that’s a fine idea. Why don’t you pick up some more yarn and knit me another of those sweaters? The winter is coming, and I’ve worn holes in the elbows of my favorite.”

“What color would you like?”

“I don’t know. Do you think red would make me sexy?”

She laughed and got up. “You don’t need no help.” She shooed him out of the kitchen and went back to fixing dinner.

2

2

“Momma? Sit down here a minute, would you, please? I’ve got something on my mind that I think needs put to rest.” Maggie was in her mother’s kitchen for the first time in a year. The table was piled high with their purchases from town, including some new red wool for Michael’s sweater and a bolt of Pendleton blue plaid for the kids’ winter clothes. She knew Michael would laugh when he saw she’d bought a whole bolt of it, like he did when she bought a whole bolt of red and white checkered cloth from the Sears, Roebuck catalog. But it had made a tablecloth, kitchen draperies, several aprons, towels, and dresses for the girls. He had liked the effect, even though it was all the same. Economy, she had told him, and he’d given her a kiss.

Cora sat across the table from her, a pot of steeping tea between them. She moved the packages aside and looked at her daughter.

“Yes, I believe it’s time whatever is between us was laid to rest, Maggie.” She poured the tea and waited.

“Momma, I’ve prayed long and hard about this, and I think I’m at fault. I’m feeling guilty, and have been laying it on you and Papa. Ever since Michael and I . . .”

“Hush, child. There’s no reason to go over all that again.”

“I can’t hush, Momma. I’ve got to talk this out, and I’ve got to do it now, in order to cleanse myself and be rid of this feeling.”

Cora sipped her tea and listened. Maggie always was a strong-willed girl. She waited.