My son said dinner was canceled, but when I got to the restaurant…

The next two hours flew by in a whirlwind of meetings, conversations, pictures. I met with the kids from the reading club, told them about George’s favorite books, and promised to read one of them to them at the next class. Answered questions from the local newspaper who wanted to do an article about the opening.

Listened to the many thanks from parents whose children would be using the new wing. Finally, when the ceremony came to an end and most of the guests had dispersed, Reed and I got into his car to head home. It was a beautiful day, he said as he started the engine.

You did good, Grandma. Thanks, honey. I felt pleasantly tired.

Yes, it was a special day. I saw you talking to Mr. Quinlan. Reed gave me a sly look.

You two seem to get along well, don’t you? I felt warmth rush to my cheeks. He’s an interesting person to talk to, I said evasively. Is that all? Reed was clearly enjoying my embarrassment.

I thought there was something between you two. Don’t be silly, I shook my head, but I couldn’t hold back a smile. At my age, I’m not looking for romance anymore.

Why not? Reed objected. Age is no barrier to happiness, and I’ve seen the way he looks at you, the same way I look at Audrey. I didn’t answer, but his words made me think.

Was age really a handicap? Hadn’t I proven to myself in those three months that life could begin again at any moment if I put my mind to it? As we pulled up to my house, I noticed a familiar car parked nearby. Thelma. She was sitting on the bench in front of the driveway, obviously waiting for me.

Mommy! She got up when she saw us. I’m so glad I made it. My order ran out sooner than I thought, so I decided to come.

I didn’t want to miss the big day. She was holding a bouquet, not store-bought but personally made. I could tell by the particular way she put it together, the way her work was always distinctive.

Thank you, dear. I accepted the flowers. They’re beautiful.

May I come in? There was an uncertainty in her voice that I hadn’t noticed before. If you’re not too tired, of course. I looked at my daughter, at her tense face, at the way she was nervously rubbing the strap of her bag.

Maybe she really was sorry for what had happened. Maybe she was trying to change. Sure, come on in.

I opened the front door. Reed, are you coming in too? No, Grandma, I have a meeting with Audrey. He kissed my cheek.

I’ll call you tomorrow. Thelma and I went up to the apartment. She was looking around with obvious interest.

It was her first visit here. I could see the surprise on her face. She was probably expecting something more modest, not a bright, spacious apartment with new furniture and a nice view from the windows.

It’s very nice, she said at last. It’s cozy. Thank you.

I put the bouquet in the vase. Tea, coffee, tea if I may. While I made tea, Thelma looked at the pictures on the walls, a few old ones from the old house, and many new ones of me with the kids at the library, with new friends with Reed and Audrey on a picnic…