Lucy
That evening, when it was time for the end-of-summer party, we wrapped ourselves in our raincoats and hurried through the drenching downpour to the lodge. Lilith had gone early to get ready for the cabaret, so it was just the four of us. Father and Mother walked together, Father carrying Emily, and I walked behind. We could see our neighbors coming as well, hooded like pilgrims in the miserable light.
The lodge was crowded and warm from the press of bodies. The Millers had arranged a buffet on the bar with fried chicken, bean salad, corn bread, and Matthew’s grandmother’s cookies for dessert. Matthew and Abe stood behind the bar, serving. I looked for Lilith. Several of the other teenagers were there, but Lilith, Jeannette, and Betty were not. At a corner table, four weekend lodgers
