The cashier handed me the receipt, and we walked out into the cool air. The sidewalk smelled of damp oak leaves.
By three in the afternoon, the autumn sun had moved behind the garage, casting long shadows across the living room sofa.
I opened my eyes to find Clara standing over me, her car keys clutching in her hand.
“You did not hear me come in,” Clara said.
I sat up quickly, smoothing my knit skirt. “I was only resting my eyes for a moment.”
“It is three in the afternoon, Mother,” Clara said, checking her watch again. “You never used to sleep during the day.”
“I am starting a new wellness regimen,” I said, standing up to show her my balance was steady. “A seven-day cranberry juice challenge. It requires a great deal of energy at the start.”
Clara shook her head, her lips pressed into a tight line. “We need to schedule the doctor’s visit Greg suggested.”
“I will be perfectly fine by next week,” I said.
At five, the low rumble of Greg’s sedan echoed in the driveway. I walked out to the porch, wrapping my knitted shawl tightly around my shoulders.
Greg was standing near my old Buick, looking up at the high branches of the oak tree. He turned and smiled, his gold wedding band catching the low sunlight as he rubbed his ring finger.
“Those oak branches are hanging quite low over the roof, Evelyn,” Greg said. “I can bring my chainsaw over on Saturday and clear them out for you.”
“That is very kind, Greg,” I said.
He stepped closer to the porch steps, his smile perfectly smooth. “By the way, Clara mentioned you were looking over those papers we left. Have you had a chance to update your will since the estate laws changed?”
The air felt suddenly cold against my neck.
