« Ruth. Is everything okay? »
« Everything’s fine. » She would not meet my eyes. « You know how it is. »
I did know how it was. That was the problem.
She knelt in front of Aby and pulled her into a hug that lasted several seconds too long. I saw her lips move near my niece’s ear, though I couldn’t catch the words. Aby nodded once, very small.
« Be a good girl for Aunt Alice, okay? »
« Okay, Mommy. »
Ruth stood and brushed something invisible off her jeans. « Thank you, Alice. Really. »
« You want to come in for a minute? I just made coffee. »
« Can’t. I’ll be back before you know it. »
She turned and walked quickly to her car, keys already in her hand. I stood in the doorway with Aby beside me, waving as Ruth pulled out of the parking spot.
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