e flat. "Jessica, what are yo

e placed a hand on David's arm, a

e sincerity. "We're just supporting each other through our grief. It's been so hard since... well, y

lie that had bought he

out Leo's age, with bright blonde hair, ran out f

my drawing? And Jessica m

" hit me like a

e are... friends of mine." He looked at me, a warning in his eyes. "This is Lil

boundless energy. I saw Leo, pale and fading, in my mind's eye

e was clean, comfortable, filled

od: fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, a pit

as overwhelming. We ate with a desperate hunger that clearly embarrassed David. He k

lf and Lily only sma

"I seem to have misjudged the portions. Please, you al

concern. "Are you sure, J

d. Lily and I can just... pop over to the community center for a b

outing, perked up slightly. "Can

art a

curt. "Sarah, we need to discuss you

ork, meeting hi

vid," I said, my voice calm b

"Don't be ridiculous, Sarah! Yo

ecause you said we couldn't afford it? Struggling on food stamps while all the local jobs dried up? Carol's medication for her heart, her lungs, getting more

t are you talking about? What about the allotment? The m

doorway, suddenly reappeared, looking pale and

ed. "The money... I..

what, Jess? Where is the mon

ted expenses. For your well-being, David. After that terribly stressful field exercise, you needed things... comfort items

pack my bags. Lily and I will leave immed