really kids anymore, are they? The last pictures you sent, Caleb looked like a man, and Joanie a young woman."
"I know, but they'll always be kids to me," Darlene said. "You sit. I'll get the present. She ran back to the living room where she'd left her things and grabbed it, then slid the box in front of Gracie. "They didn't wrap it, but Caleb said to tell you it's locked and loaded. All you'll need to do is set up your own email and internet when you get settled."
Gracie frowned as she popped the tape on the flat box, and then opened the flaps.
"Oh my God! Are you serious?" Gracie cried. "A laptop? Mama broke mine years ago, and I saw no need to get another. This is awesome," Gracie said, as she took it out and opened it up. "You tell my nephew and niece that they rock."
Darlene grinned. "I will. Caleb said you can't go job hunting without one these days."
Gracie sighed. "And I'm sure he's right. This is wonderful. Thank you so much."
A short while later, Darlene was gone, leaving Gracie with a belly full of barbecue, and something to think about.
She did deserve happiness, and she didn't have to settle for less ever again.
Daphne got a text from Mamie.
We're here. James is here. Do you want to go eat?
Daphne frowned, and responded.
Did you go see Mama, yet?
Silence. Then Mamie responded.
Did you?
Daphne rolled her eyes and shifted from text to call.
"Hello," Mamie said.
"Yes, of course I went," Daphne said. "It was the first thing I did after I got my room. That and throwing up."
Mamie sighed. "Oh sister, I'm sorry. I forgot how nervous your tummy gets."
"You guys go see her. And then I'll meet you wherever you want to eat."
"Eew, that will just ruin my appetite," Mamie said.
The tone of Daphne's voice shifted into high. "We are not here for a party, Mamie Leigh. There are rules and rituals to burying a loved one, and we've failed our sister. Let's try real hard not to dishonor Mama, too."
Mamie whined. She was still suffering the looks from Joel that scared her, and she didn't want her sister on her case, as well.
"I just don't know if I can do that," Mamie said.
"Then why did you even bother coming?" Daphne shrieked.
Mamie started crying. "I'm sorry. I guess I'm just not making myself understood. Of course I know that we will do this. I'm just afraid, that's all."
"I was afraid...and ashamed, too. So, get your ass in gear, and you three get to Decker's and see Mama, dammit. I haven't had an appetite since the day Gracie called, but I had the guts to go face her in a casket, and I expect you and James to do the same. We will eat later. Call me to let me know where you want to meet."
And then Daphne hung up and covered her face. "God, just help us get through this without killing each other. That's all I ask. We don't deserve anything more."
Mamie hung up and looked at Joel.
"We need to go see Mama at the funeral home, and then we'll call Daphne. She'll meet us wherever we want to go for dinner."
Joel nodded. He'd been thinking long and hard about Mamie and this revelation. He shouldn't have been so shocked. She'd always been selfish and self-centered. He'd just accepted and ignored it because he wasn't suffering from it.
But seeing that turned on Gracie had been eye-opening. He was ashamed of himself. He was ashamed of them. And Mamie, being Mamie, had just admitted the truth of herself to Daphne and didn't even know it.
Mamie was afraid—of everything. Of not being smart enough. Never having the confidence to get a job on her own. Living a shallow existence to keep herself busy when he traveled because she was afraid to be alone. He didn't hate her. But the shine was definitely gone.
"I'm going to call James," Mamie said. "He can ride with us."
Joel nodded.
A short while later, the trio was on the way to Decker's, and the silence within the vehicle was painful. It didn't get easier as they entered the funeral home. Being shown to the viewing room felt like walking a gauntlet. They signed the guest book, got the memory cards, and stepped inside.
Mamie gripped Joel's hand as they moved toward the casket.
Joel sighed and put his arm around her shoulders, then they were there, staring down.
"Her hair turned white," James said.
"She looks real pretty," Joel