Page 172 (1/2)

Thank God

Loreda drove up and parked She opened the truck’s door and got out, banging the door shut behind her “Mom!” she yelled “The store wasn’t open”

Elsa craned her neck to see Loreda “Why not?”

“Probably because of the strike talk They want to res”

Jean’s body suddenly arched and stiffened Her eyes rolled back in her head Her body began to shake violently

Elsa held her friend until she stilled

“There’s no aspirin, Jean,” Elsa said

Jean’s eyes fluttered open “Don’t fret none, Elsa Just let me—”

“No,” Elsa said sharply “I’ll be right back Don’t you dare go anywhere”

Jean’s breathing slowed “I o dancin’”

Elsa eased Jean’s head back and got out of the truck “You stay here,” she said to Loreda “Try to get Jean to drinkon her forehead Don’t let her kick the covers away” She turned to Jeb “I’ll be right back”

“Where yah going?” Jeb asked

“I’ her aspirin”

“Where? You got any money to buy some?”

“No,” Elsa said tightly “They make sure we never have money Stay here”