6
The following Saturday, Blanche invited Esther’s Bible study group to visit. They caught up over morning tea, then Blanche ushered them into the dining room where she’d pushed the chairs out towards the edges of the room and placed an assortment of bags on them. Naomi sat, but Rachel, Gina, and Joy stood.
“Thanks for coming, and sorry it took so long to invite you around.” Blanche clicked the end of the pen in her hand.
“We didn’t expect invitations anytime soon,” Gina said with a gentle smile.
Joy leaned over and touched Blanche’s arm. “It takes time to adjust. I couldn’t handle visitors for two months after my husband died. Not even family.”
“As far as I’m concerned, you and Gina are family.” Blanche’s voice wobbled. “You were Esther’s best friends, and you were there for her when
