Now it was just the two of them. Kathleen searched for the next step. Then the solution came to her.
“I don’t know how many houses your niece and you have visited, but you probably want to take a break. I have a fire pit in my backyard that I don’t mind firing up. We can sit and chat before it gets too cool.”
Lena’s lips parted to reveal a slight gap-tooth smile. “A fire pit? That sounds like an intriguing proposition.”
The two walked along the ash-colored cobblestones leading into Kathleen’s backyard. The sounds of Lena’s steps seemed to disappear in the night. Not that Kathleen expected her guest to sound like an elephant walking through a bush, but Lena’s silent stride made her wonder for a minute if she was still behind her. Kathleen’s doubt turned out to be unfounded when the two a
