Twelve
IT TAKES GLADYS ABOUT an hour to tell Helen the story she just told me. By this time, it's midnight and the three of us load up in Helen’s car, since Gladys’ van has been impounded. They drop me off at the rectory and, after saying Night Prayer, I fall into bed, both physically and mentally exhausted.
I text Helen the next morning.
How’s it going?
She replies,
As well as can be expected. Stayed with Gladys last night.
Did you two get any sleep?
Not much. She’s still pretty upset.
I can imagine. Did she say anything else?
No, not much more than in her original story.
Is there anything I can do?
I’ll let you know.
Pls do.
I grab my robe and start to the shower when my message chime dings. I pick up my phone and smile.
Love you.
Love you too.
After showering and getting
