Chapter 24 - Mrs. Harris’s gate
Laura moved.
Mrs. Harris stayed.
Emily wanted to visit her.
So we did.
Mrs. Harris made lemonade.
Too sweet.
Emily sat at her kitchen table.
Then asked:
“Did you hear me?”
Mrs. Harris’s eyes filled.
“Yes.”
“Was I loud?”
“Not at first.”
“Why did you call Dad?”
“Because I saw the tarp moving and I knew you shouldn’t be underneath it.”
Emily nodded.
Then:
“Did you know I was in the cage?”
“Not until your dad opened it.”
“Were you scared?”
“Yes.”
Emily considered.
“Me too.”
Mrs. Harris reached across the table.
Stopped.
“Can I hold your hand?”
Emily nodded.
She took it.
That small permission made me unexpectedly emotional.
Before leaving, Mrs. Harris said to me privately:
“I spent years believing good neighbors don’t pry.”
I said:
“Sometimes they should.”
May you like
She smiled.
“I know now.”
