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“Where are the Hilliards?” I ask as alk

He chuffs through his nose, taking his ti “They retired, Thayer That’s what people do when they reach a certain age”

I exhale, the tension inin small increments Retirement makes sense They were in their early sixties last I knew, and they’d been caring for the family’s island off the coast of Maine since before I was born Junie did the cooking and the cleaning and Ed tended the garden, , combed the private beaches, and kept up the boats and three main houses all twelve months of the year

“They moved to the mainland then?” I ask

“I haven’t the slightest I sent them on their way last fall and haven’t heard froolden years in sunny Florida, or perhaps they made their way to Arizona I believe Junie has a sister there Either way, they’re having themselves a time, I’m sure of it”

His nonchalance is nothing short of concerning

Ed and Junie were like faine they wouldn’t stay in touch—or that randfather wouldn’t have so much as a clue as to where they went That coupled with the fact that Lila didn’t some all the facts

I follow hiray-brown hair stands at the sink, washing dishes by hand She’s shorter and thinner than Junie, her hair straight and cut blunt at her shoulders There’s a perht the room like Junie did

“Bernice, this is randson, Thayer,” Grandfather says

The wo a blink-and-you’ll-loved hands still deep in the dirty dishwater

“Very nice to meet you,” she says, her back toward us “I’ve heard so randfather tells me you’re pre-law at Yale?”

“Yes, ma’am,” I say

“Just finished his second year” Grandfather beams from ear to ear It thrills hiiate footsteps “Anyway, he’sWould youhim a sandwich?”