32“Maria, you’ll be needing a nice black coat.”
“No, Helen. After this morning we won’t be leaving the apartment,” Maria Christina smiled sadly and rested her hand on Zoitsa’s shoulder, as the elevator in Martin’s Department Store continued up to the floor devoted to children. When the doors opened, they were greeted by display after display of toys and stuffed animals of all sizes, including one big giraffe that almost touched the ceiling. On their way to the children’s clothes, Helen noticed Zoitsa stop and quickly pet a life-sized stuffed lamb before continuing.
A few days after their shopping trip, Helen stepped into the guest bedroom to retrieve Christmas ornaments from the top shelf of the closet. When she turned on the light, she was aghast at the sight. The bed, the chair, the wi
