Several women rose immediately, enticing others to dance near the bonfire and open patio area. The atmosphere returned to being electric, joyful, and free.
Maggie was still smiling and conversing animatedly with the two women next to her, but something was off. Her laughter did not reach her eyes, and it was clear that the announcement had hit her harder than she was admitting.
I leaned in during a lull. “Maggie, are you OK?"
She turned to me and patted my hand with a warm smile. “Yes, Honey. I'm fine. Don't worry about me. Enjoy yourself."
Before I could press, she returned to her conversation and seamlessly resumed it. I sat back, scanning the yard, and noticed Donna was no longer in sight. She had slipped away sometime after the meal. I wondered what that meant before being interrup
