After the burial, I lingered by Nancy’s grave long after the last handful of earth had landed. The pastor left quietly.
Mrs. Calder from next door broke the stillness, pressing a warm casserole dish into my arms. “You promise you’ll eat, Cassie?”
“I will. Thank you, Mrs. Calder.”
She squeezed my hand. “You call me if you need anything. I mean it. I’ll miss your little girl more than I can say.”
I nodded, but my throat felt tight, and I couldn’t find words that would matter.
“You promise you’ll eat, Cassie?”
***
Back home, I set the casserole on the counter and looked around the kitchen. Nancy’s rainbow magnets were still on the fridge. Her shoes were by the door, toes pointing out as if she might run in at any moment.
I found myself talking aloud.
