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BK enters the roo, and joins the conversation "We couldn’t pay roceries at a discount We were thinking of a ot us all the way here froh I still sit on the bed

"Well, let’s try it I’ll call you the first of the week and you can get started"

That puts the das "I’ her head in disappoint around her pink face "But that’s okay We’ll just tell people that deliveries are only on Mondays and Thursdays now"

"It’s set then?" Can you stay for our o The doctor’s in the car, but I’ll see you Monday There will be deliveries for sure, then?"

"Yes, I already know of three Yes, for sure I’ll memorize the directions so that you can write them down" Lilly is like a neoman and I am too

11

Goose Attack

"Damn!" I curse, as I turn around for the third time and reverse my course on County Road 92 "We’ve been up and down this stretch two tie"

Finally, I spot it, alravel, find the boxes of groceries Mr Bittman has prepared, and motion Dr Bluer door and haul him out

"Here!" I yank out his arms so I can set the box in them "Follow"

I take the smaller carton and wind my way down a narrow path that leads to the wood-and-cable contraption that spans the creek Dr Bluht behind me and I don’t know if it’s safe for the two of us to cross at the sauess I’ll find out

With each step, I hold e bounces and sways Don’t think about the water and rocks below, I tell myself Just keep your eyes on the white house on the other side

Across the field, four blond barefoot girls sit on the porch and they can’t stop giggling I suppose e a few ti a blue housedress with tattered lace down the front Her golden hair is pulled back in a bun

"Sally," she yells "Go down to the bridge and help that lady Those are our groceries and I don’t want her dropping theirl saunters over with the other ones following

"Ma’am," she says with a curtsy, when I reach dry land "I’m Sally Can I take the parcel for you?"

It’s not heavy, but I’ladly, happy to have the solid earth under my feet "Nice to meet you, Sally How old are you?"