“I-I’ll be all right in a few minutes. I-I need some space.” She aimed herself at the door, heading for that lovely corner of the sunroom.
“Let her go,” Grace said.
“I think I need a drink,” Nick said.
She couldn’t hear Grace’s response.
But she didn’t stop in the sunroom. She kept going out through the side door and down the steps into the walking garden, with its softly singing wind chimes and bird feeders and gazing balls. It was dark, but there was enough light from the moon for her to find her way to the flagstone path. When she finally got far enough from the house to feel safe, she slumped onto a bench and lifted the mug for a long, scalding sip. It took the edge off the chill she was feeling and helped her choke down the tears.
So much pain. Even Grace, calm and collected and
