The comforting smell of pie crust interrupted her thoughts. Lillian was standing in front of her, hands in her apron, fingers searching for something that hid there. No words were exchanged while Lillian lowered herself to the ground and sat next to Adeline, and extended her hand, three ripe blackberries sitting in her palm. Adeline took the fruit, slowly chewing one and savoring the tart and sweet flavors. The world felt less shaky now, the room felt a little brighter. The two of them sat on the floor and ate...

Through the doorway, he could see her looking through the window, her back facing him. Except, she wasn't really looking through the window, she was staring at the curtains that hung there. They were very ugly curtains, and she hoped that if she examined every thread and stitch of the fabric, her voice wouldn't break, and her hands wouldn't shake. He was going to speak first. He always did, and she was waiting for him to say what she knew...