The doorbell rang, stirring me awake. I peeled myself off the floor. I wiped the tears from my face with the back of my hand and slowly opened the door.
“I’m sorry to be knockin’ on your door so early, but I had a premonition that ya might be in trouble. Ya is lookin’ a bit pale, babee.” Ms. Noel’s face deepened with lines. “Oh no, ya been cryin’.”
“I’ll live.” I puffed a short breath. “Come on in.” I stepped aside. I caught sight of two grocery bags in her arms. “Ms. Noel!” A pain of guilt struck. “I hope you didn’t…” She stopped me before I could finish.
“Oh hush, chile! It’s not much, just a little gumbo and cornbread. Oh, and my sweet potato pie that you love,” she smiled as she entered. I took the two sacks from her arms as we headed to the kitchen.
“What time is it?” My brain fel
