When the Wind Chimes - Mary Ting Page 0,11

tomorrow. Maybe it’ll be better.”

Her eyes lit up. “Okay. Well, good luck.”

“Thanks.” I took a sip of my wine and savored the light, fruity taste. “How was your day? Did you sell any paintings?”

Abby scooted her lettuce to the side of the plate, her attention elsewhere, and then met my gaze. “No, but we had a few customers stopping by—mostly tourists. They loved the paintings, but either they didn’t want to pay for shipping or it was too expensive. Maybe I should have a sale.”

“No.” I winced and lowered my voice. “People don’t understand the time, sweat, and passion you pour on the canvas. You’re not a student. You’ve had your work displayed in well-known New York galleries. You are worth every penny, Abby. Don’t sell yourself short. If they don’t want to pay the price, then too bad for them. They don’t deserve a piece of your soul.”

At least that was how I felt after I finished a painting, like I had given a slice of my soul. Every stroke of the brush was a glimpse of my thoughts, hopes, and dreams. All that time and energy spent, I fell in love with all my creations and hated selling them.

My sister chewed her bottom lip, taking in my words. “Okay, Kate. You’re right. Thank you for the reminder.”

“You’ve sold many paintings in New York and your prices were pretty high, competitive to others of your caliber. Don’t downgrade yourself.”

“Okay. I get it.” She sighed and smiled at her son sitting next to me.

Her love. Her life. Everything she did was for him. I could only imagine how difficult it must be to raise a child by herself. All the more reason I should try to help her in any way, including financially.

Tyler rested his chin on his knuckles, his elbow planted on the table. With his other hand, he flicked the salmon with his fork.

“Ty. You okay?” I asked.

He had been quiet during dinner and wasn’t listening to the conversation like he usually did.

“Is Bridget going to be okay?” Tyler’s lips curled downward, his shoulders slumping.

“Bridget is going to be fine. You’ll see.” I rubbed Tyler’s hair. “How about after dinner we decorate the tree?”

“Okay.” He sat up taller and began to eat again.

I cleared my throat to get Abby’s attention. My sister was staring at the two red stockings hanging on the mantel. She must be thinking about the one that should have been there. Her glassy eyes made mine fill with tears. When she shifted her attention to me, her lips spread—only a little, but a smile nevertheless.

“Kate, thanks again for brightening up this house.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “I don’t think I could have done it.”

“I know. It’s okay, Abby. I’m here. Let me be your strength as long as you need.”

Abby nodded and dabbed the corner of her eyes. “Having you here makes a difference. You’re all I need.”

Chapter Five — Sick Day

“I’m sorry I’m late for dinner,” I hollered into the house the next day and leaned my damp umbrella next to the entryway table.

After the second interview, I’d decided to stroll on the beach and take pictures. It had sprinkled at first and then the rain had come tumbling down. Luckily, there had been a convenience store nearby with umbrellas in stock. I didn’t mind getting wet, but I didn’t want to ruin my camera.

“Hello?” No one had come to greet me. Not even Tyler.

Abby dragged her feet out of her bedroom wearing a white bathrobe, sipping from a mug I had gifted her for Christmas two years past that read Mother Knows Best.

I furrowed my brow and laid my camera on the side table. As I headed for the kitchen, Abby’s slippers slapped along the hardwood floor.

“Are you ready for bed already?” I stopped beside the sink, blocking her way. “Aren’t you going to ...”

She ran her fingers through her messy hair as if she’d just woken up. Then she rubbed her watery, red eyes, and itched the pink and raw area around her nose.

“Oh, Abby, you’re sick.” I gave her a sympathetic frown, and then I took out a green teabag from the cabinet and a mug from the dish rack. “You were fine last night. What happened?”

She leaned against the wall by the stove and rubbed at her neck. “I woke up with a sore throat. I took some medicine but it kept getting worse. I picked up Tyler early from daycare. I think he gave me