The Jagged Edge

By Anne R. Murray

The Jagged Edge is a fictional novel written in the setting of the metropolitan Richmond, Virginia. It is the story of a young woman who suffered the loss of her mother in childhood and the events that followed her death. Angela Harris, a young woman, copes with her mothers death in an extraordinary way. The main characters all play a part to deliver the story, exemplifying that faith can restore any misfortune or tragedy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jan 21, 2015
• ISBN: 9781496963390

Anne R. Murray

Anne R. Murray is a native Georgian. Her roots are from the Southeastern region of the United States. She is the sixth generation born here from the old country. Anne was raised on Christian beliefs and traditions. She has three sisters and her parents are still living. Dr. Murray is a retired schoolteacher, earning a doctorate in education while teaching. She spends her time writing, researching and motivating others. She enjoys inspiring others to write as well as to read. Her brilliance to detail shows in her literary works. She uses the element of time to capture the essence of her writing. Anne delivers her heart and soul every time. Her strengths are her emotional portrayal of the characters in the story. The narration is delivered by presenting the main character in third person (she or her), as she expresses her thoughts. Shattered Dreams is a story of suspense, drama and adventure at the same time. There are some terrifying moments in the book. Other literary works include As The Scarlet Tanager Sings, As The Sweet Honey Runs, The Jagged Edge, Wounded Heart in Flight and Gentle Rain of Thoughts.

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© 2015 Anne R. Murray. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 01/20/2015

ISBN: 978-1-4969-6338-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-6337-6 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-6339-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015900327

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

About the Author

Dedication

I dedicate this book to my niece, Andrea, and her husband, Tim, who are expecting their first baby girl, Grace Elizabeth, on March 5, 2015.

Acknowledgments

I would like to acknowledge several people who made publication of this book possible. First, I want to thank my uncle and fellow writer, Robert, who kindly contributed his time to read and comment (blurp) on this book. His time is much appreciated, especially with a busy schedule and projects.

I couldn’t finish this book without the support of my parents. Their love and devotion over the years have been wonderful. I want to mention my family, including my sisters, who have supported my writing the past couple of years. Their inspiration is endless.

I want to thank the ladies at Cedar Crest Church for encouragement and support over the last few years. The bible studies have been a blessing for me. In addition, my many friends along the way that helped me through the journey in life. A special thanks to vanLee for his encouragement and support as another fellow writer.

I want to thank Bill, for his kindness and time to photograph pictures. Much appreciation is given to those that contributed and touched me spiritually. Everyone I’ve met the past few years has contributed so much to my spiritual and emotional growth.

The image of the front cover is by Courtesy of AuthorHouse. Many thanks for their image. Without the photograph, I could not have made printing possible. It is with much thanks and appreciation to the staff of AuthorHouse that helped me complete this publication.

Introduction

As a published writer, I have often sat by the edge of my seat while writing. It has been an enlightened experience to say the least. This is my third published works and my first novel. Creativity is like art when you learn to produce words on paper to tell a story. Your mind and imagination are at work to create a book that not only indulges readers but allows them to visualize themselves in the lives of the characters. They see similarities in their own lives. By contrast, the purpose of this book is to bring enjoyment and entertainment to all readers.

The title of this book wasn’t an easy selection for me. I have been at the edge of life when things don’t go quite right or the way I think they should go. I can only fantasize how life should have gone but in a normal realm of things, there are certain situations I would rather have not experienced. I’m afraid I’m not alone in this. Many readers have been there too. It is a constant battle between our own ‘self’ and our mind. We seem to be overwhelmed with life events. I call this the jagged edge of life – the part of us that hurts, that is broken or tired. It makes us weary and worn out. It is full of poisoned junk that enters our souls and makes us feel incapable of functioning normally. It sits inside of us and festers over time, producing negative and anti-productive behavior.

The jagged edge also represents unevenness. It is awkward and isn’t even. It is obscure and ambiguous. Our future seems unclear and uncertain at times. This is when life doesn’t follow the straight or narrow, rather it detours into another direction. It may not be in the path the individual wanted or intended, however, it is in the path that follows an event, such as death, divorce, separation or even tragic events.

This book tells the story of one young woman that overcame tragedy and life-changing situations in her life. She used her own faith that she learned as a young child to overturn her life. The story not only creates a real-life scenario that readers can relate to the main characters, it gives a detailed plot of events. Life is difficult for many of us. How well we handle the difficulties along our journey reflects how well we sustain stability in life. This is true for most people.

The most important part of any book is to enjoy reading. My primary intention is that you truly enjoy this book. It not only reflects what is within my soul, it was created with you in mind – as the reader.

And a little child shall lead them

(Isaiah 11:6).

Chapter One

Looking all around the room, she noticed little bits of furniture coming together. The colors blended in well with the interior décor. The interior walls were painted natural colors with an off-white base. The exterior of the house was painted white with dark brown shutters. The carpets were pale shades of gray and blue. She always loved the color blue. It was her mother’s favorite color too. She had picked out the furniture herself. She was excited and anxious to get the rooms decorated, especially the nursery upstairs. This was moving day but the beginning of a wonderful life for her.

It was Saturday, September 27th. The leaves had not changed colors yet as they do in late October or early November. Most people locate and buy homes in the springtime; however, they were fortunate to find this house before the fall season. She and her husband had planned this day for a long time. They had been house-hunting for the past six months before they found out they were expecting their first child in January. She was now at 20 weeks. They had signed a yearly lease three months ago, even before the doctor confirmed she was pregnant. It took a loan from the local bank and a 10% down payment to secure the house. There was another couple interested in the house but hadn’t signed the contract yet. They had to offer a little bit more to get the house.

They moved into their apartment when they first married over eighteen months ago. They had broken the yearly lease and had lost their deposit. Attempts to recover their deposit were futile. The cramped little apartment was cozy for the newlywed couple. It just wasn’t enough room for their new addition to their small family.

Angela remembered their wedding day as if it was yesterday. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon on Saturday, March 16, 2013. It was at 5:00 o’clock. She was married in a private home wedding ceremony at her aunt’s and uncle’s home. The great room had a wedding arch with candelabra on both sides. Several rows of folding chairs were on either side with a long runner in the middle. There were about 50 people in attendance. Besides her aunt and uncle, she had few relatives in town. Her aunt had known the minister for a while, Reverend Barnes, who performed the wedding ceremony. Angela hadn’t attended church in a long time and didn’t want a church wedding either.

Her colors were pink and white. Her bouquet of flowers was made of pink and white roses. Her wedding gown was made by a dressmaker in town. It was a beautiful long white gown, made with laced layers and long laced sleeves. She had a white satin bow which tied in the back. Her train was almost to the ground. She wore her hair up, which made her look stunning. Steve’s father was his best man while Betty, her friend, was her matron of honor. There was a flower girl that sprinkled rose petals onto the runner while a ring bearer carried the rings. Both the flower girl and ring bearer were Steve’s niece and nephew. Her aunt had hired a wedding coordinator for the wedding ceremony and reception.

The reception was held outside afterwards in the backyard. A tent was set up in case of rain, although the weather was perfect that day. Her wedding cake was a three-tier cake with columns between the middle and top layers. It was decorated with pink and white roses. Angela thought it was lovely and delicious. The food was catered by a local restaurant that handled large parties and weddings.

The couple spent their honeymoon a few days in Virginia Beach and then two days in historical Williamsburg. After five days of fun, they came back home to Richmond, Virginia. After all, Virginia is for lovers.

Angela was 25 years old now. Her husband, Steve, was four years older. At 29, he worked as an assistant manager at a manufacturing company. He was paid fairly well with full insurance benefits. He worked long hours during the day. The additional hours would help pay for the new house. The company Steve worked at had expanded and opened more branches in the area. Sometimes he didn’t come home until late in the evening. He was a good provider. The new baby would take more income that they needed.

The new house was a dream that came true for Angela. It was a small starter home but adequate for their purpose now. It was located in a part of the city with plenty of public schools. The house was a colonial two-story with three bedrooms upstairs, including the master bedroom, located on the left side upstairs. The master bedroom had a full bathroom with a two-person hot tub. She knew she would enjoy that hot tub. She dreamed of taking long relaxing baths with tealights giving dim lights. How relaxing and wonderful! There was also a walk-in closet for her and Steve’s clothes. The house actually had two and a half baths. There was another full bathroom in-between the master and back bedroom. Angela decided to make the back bedroom into the nursery. There is also a laundry room upstairs opposite the bathroom. With the new baby coming, she would soon be washing loads of clothes daily. The front bedroom was closer to the laundry room. Steve had wanted to make this room into an office or study one day.

Downstairs, the kitchen was located mid-section in back of the house. The living room and dining room connected on the left side while the den was on the right side downstairs. As you entered the house, there was a small foyer with a hallway headed for the kitchen. There was also a small powder room down the hallway on the left side near the kitchen. From the foyer, stairs led upstairs, from the left side of the hallway.

There was a double garage leading from the kitchen side door to the right side of the house. A sliding glass door led out from the kitchen to the patio outside in the backyard.

Angela had worked as a secretary in an insurance firm. The pay was decent enough but the insurance benefits were not inexpensive. She was glad that her husband’s company had offered full benefits and compensation. She had worked up to now, however, the job was somewhat demanding. She grew tired of the hours and the job itself. Her feet ached as she was sometimes on them filing papers. She was relieved to get home to soak her swollen ankles. The doctor recommended she quit work at 32 weeks until the baby was a little older.

Angela was optimistic of the future, the birth of their baby and getting settled into their first house together. She had dreamed of this day for a long time. As she continued looking around the room, she had envisioned what the house would look like once she fully decorated it. Money was tight right now so she would have to buy a few items at a time. A bare house with little furniture but that was the best the couple could do. Some of the few pieces of furniture they had were bought at thrift stores or donated to charity organizations. She hated to take from charity but had no other option.

Angela’s eyes became glued on something in the room. It was something that she remembered when she was only a little girl. She took a small box out of a bigger box that the movers had brought upstairs into the nursery. She held the small box and opened it. Inside was a small inanimate object – a baby rattler. It was used by her when she was a baby herself. It wouldn’t have had as much meaning except it was from someone she held dear to her heart. Her mother gave it to her years ago. Angela was still a young child then, seven or eight years old, when she found it. Her mother saw her lift it from the small box one day and startled her. Angie, as she was nicknamed when a little girl, Did you find something? she asked. Angela kept this nickname until she was 18 years old. Then she wanted to be called by her birth name, Angela.

Yes Mama, I was just looking at it. Angie looking up nervously at her mother.

It was yours as a baby, her mother replied. I was intending on giving it to you later as a gift but I guess you found it early.

Can I keep it Mama? Angie begged, focusing her eyes on the little baby rattler and feeling it with her fingers.

If you promise not to lose it Angie, her mother said.

I promise Mama! exclaimed Angela.

Angela took the baby rattler out of its small box and slept with it under her pillow at night at first. She then put it back into the small box and put it on a high shelf in her bedroom closet. There it stayed throughout her childhood and teens up until she had gotten married. She had forgotten about the baby rattler until cleaning out her bedroom closet one day. Seeing the small box again made her eyes tear up. How she missed her mother. It had been a very long time since she had last seen her.

Her mother had a bad habit that started early in her teenage years. At 14, she started smoking. Over the years, she smoked heavily. The doctor tried to get her to quit smoking. It was too late. By then, the damage had been done. Angela’s mother and father married on December 19, 1983, when her mother was 21 years old. They waited over six years to have Angela. When Angela was nine years old, her mother became very ill. Her mother was only 36 years old by then. It started with flu-like symptoms which developed into a chronic deep cough. She had gone to specialists who diagnosed her with terminal lung cancer. The doctor gave her a year at most to live. She had already developed Lupus, an autoimmune deficiency, a few years earlier. She had seemed somewhat sickly ever since then. Her immunity was low and she was careful not to get out in flu season or when viruses were rampant throughout the community.

Angela had one brother, Philip, who was five years younger than her. Her younger brother remembered little about his mother as he was still a very young boy of five years old when she passed away.

Remembrance of her father growing up brought painful memories. She fought back tears as she remembered her father coming home one day with tragic news. She had turned ten years old that past summer. She was in the fifth grade at the local elementary school. She had just gotten home from school and Philip had been home from kindergarten for a couple of hours. Her father walked into the kitchen, pale as a ghost. It was apparent he had been crying. His face was stained with tearful eyes. He was looking down and not saying a word to anyone. Her aunt, her mother’s youngest sister, had picked both of them up from school. Margaret was 34 years old and had been married since she was 19 years old. She had always called her sister, Sally, instead of Sarah since they were both young children.

When her father arrived home, he took her aunt aside into the living room and sat down on the sofa. Her aunt sat across from her father in the chair alongside the corner table. Margaret, your sister has gone into a coma early this morning. I just came from the hospital and the doctor thinks it is near time. I think we need to tell the children tonight. He began to sob as tears screamed down his cheeks.

Suddenly, there was a big noise from the living room as her Aunt Margaret burst out in tears. She looked down with tears running down her face. This was her beloved sister, her only sister. She had looked up to Sally since they were children. Sally was three years older than her, however, they were close. They grew up together in the same town of Richmond, attended the same schools and social events. They attended Grace Church of Richmond in town and went to Sunday school every Sunday morning. Margaret and her husband had no children but she loved Angela and Philip as if they were her own children. There was no physical or medical reason Margaret or her husband couldn’t have children. They went to an infertility specialist several years ago but no cause was ever found for either of them. Margaret left the infertility issues to the will of God. There were no other couples in her family that were childless as she knew of.

No Peter, I think we need to hold off until we hear back something more definite from the hospital. The children are so young, especially little Philip. Let us wait a little while longer. It will give me time to absorb this and collect my thoughts, said Margaret.

Margaret, we don’t have time. The doctor says it could be any minute now. She has already lived a little longer than expected, Peter said.

Peter, you act as if you expect her to die. I would like to break it to the children gently. I know they are your children but please let me do this for my only sister, she said. Margaret began to cry again.

No Margaret, I just know we have seen specialists in the field. They all say the same thing. The last oncologist she saw said he was surprised she was still alive. Over five months ago, the surgeon operated on her lungs. The doctor came out of the surgery room immediately after surgery and walked into the waiting room where I was waiting. He told me there was nothing that could be done. The cancer had spread throughout her lungs. He was shocked how fast it had progressed. All we could do would be to make her comfortable for the period she lived. She had a regimen of chemotherapy and infusions for several months before attempting surgery and some afterwards, Peter answered.

Peter bowed his head in silence. He was grief-stricken as he knew the time was close. He stood up and walked quietly to the kitchen. There he found two blank faces looking back at him. Angela knew something was wrong. She sensed it. Philip was busy coloring outside the lines of his coloring book. He was coloring the rabbit a dark brown color in wide strokes. Not an artist as of yet, but definitely the art work of a typical 5-year old.

Angie, could you help Aunt Margaret get dinner tonight for you and your brother? I need to go upstairs to make a couple of phone calls, her father said.

Sure Daddy, replied Angela.

Her aunt did not come into the kitchen for several minutes. Angela was getting weary as she lifted the plates from the cabinet to set the table. Angela was about to put the forks down next to the plates on the kitchen table when her aunt walked into the kitchen. Her aunt was very quiet, not uttering a word to Angela. She went to the refrigerator to get some butter out to cook vegetables for dinner. She had some cube steak out thawing for the four of them. Margaret felt she needed to call her husband first to see if he wanted to have dinner there with the children and Peter. When she reached for the phone, she lifted the receiver. She heard Peter’s voice on the line. The voice on the other end was not a familiar one to her. Peter was calling the hospital to speak to Sally’s doctor. Dr. Robert Jacobs, an oncologist, was also the doctor on call that evening. Peter wanted to see how his wife was doing. He reached the operator at the hospital, who connected him to Sally’s unit. She had been on the 6th floor, now moved to the 3rd floor. Sally had been in the intensive care unit the past week and moved to the critical care unit today. Suddenly, a female voice came on line and identified herself as the registered nurse in the unit for that shift. Peter cleared his voice and barely uttered the words, Is Dr. Jacobs there? I need to speak to him about my wife’s status?

Dr. Jacobs is attending to an emergency. Can I take a message, sir? the nurse asked.

My name is Peter McDowell. I need to know how my wife is doing. She slipped into a coma earlier today, he said.

One moment sir, said the voice at the other end of the receiver.

Peter hung onto the receiver for a few minutes. It seemed like a lifetime to him when he heard the nurse’s friendly voice. I called Dr. Jacobs. Your wife is the same since this morning.

Okay, thanks for letting me know, he replied.

You’re welcome, she answered.

Peter then hung up the phone, frustrated he didn’t get through to the doctor when he needed to talk to him. He then picked up the phone again to call his boss about work. Mr. Lee Franklin had been Peter’s boss several months at Armor Autoglass. It was a glass manufacturing company in the Richmond area. It was already in the early evening so Peter called his home number. His boss’ wife answered the phone.

Can I speak to Mr. Franklin please? he asked.

One moment please, she answered.

A deep voice came on the line that Peter recognized as his boss’ voice. Mr. Franklin, this is Peter McDowell.

Oh, how are you Peter? How is your wife doing? he asked.

That is what I’m calling about Mr. Franklin. My wife slipped into a coma early this morning, Peter responded.

I’m so sorry, Peter. I heard about your wife’s illness and being hospitalized this past week," Mr. Franklin said.

The doctor said it could be any time now. Not sure I can handle this and work right now, Peter replied.

I understand Peter. Take off the time you need. When you are ready to come back, your job will be there waiting for you, he said.

I appreciate that very much Mr. Franklin. It has been really hard these last few days, especially on the children. I don’t know how to tell them– Peter said. He couldn’t finish the sentence without sniffling.

Don’t worry Peter. In time they will come to accept their mother’s illness and grieve for her in their own way. You need to not fall apart and be there for them. They need you more than ever right now, he stated.

You’re right Mr. Franklin, he said, as he sniffled to stop from crying on the phone. I just called the hospital and they said that Sally was about the same. Still, I feel that it won’t be too long.

Peter, I wish you well. Go to the hospital tomorrow and don’t worry about your job right now. I will have coverage for you on Monday. Please call me and keep me updated about your wife, he said.

I will Mr. Franklin and thank you, Peter responded.

Goodbye Peter, he said.

Bye Mr. Franklin, Peter replied.

Peter hung up the phone. He didn’t feel easy about the conversation he just had with Mr. Franklin. Yet his wife was very ill and he had to tend to her. Tomorrow was Saturday anyway. He hoped his wife would come out of the coma over the weekend. It might have been wishful thinking but he was trying to stay positive for his wife and mainly for his children right now.

Peter went downstairs. Margaret was putting on the cube steak to fry. She had already put on the vegetables to cook. Angela was getting out the tea glasses to set on the table. Angie, I have brewed the tea. Can you sweeten it a bit? Margaret asked.

Sure Aunt Margaret, Angela replied.

What a big girl you are! Margaret exclaimed.

Angela lifted the sugar bag from the shelf in the kitchen pantry. She was smart, a big sister and mature beyond her 10 young years. She measured and poured about a third cup of sugar into a tea kettle. She mixed the tea with the sugar but not too sweet with a big wooden spoon. She then put ice into the tea glasses and poured the sweeten tea into each glass.

Oh rats, I need to call my husband. He should be home by now. Margaret reached for the phone again and listened first. She sighed a sound of relief when no one was on the receiver. She dialed the phone meticulously. It took several rings until a familiar voice came on the line. David, I’m over Peter’s and Sally’s house. I’m cooking dinner for Peter and the children. Do you want to eat dinner here? she asked.

The voice was reluctant at first. Well, I just got back from work and walked in the door. I guess you won’t be cooking dinner here later? he asked.

No I’m afraid not, she answered.

I guess I could come over but it will be at least thirty minutes. I need to wash up for dinner and change clothes, he said.

Okay darling. See you then. Love you, she responded.

Love you too. Bye for now, he replied.

Despite their fertility problems, David and Margaret had a good marriage. They were around the same age. David was a mechanic at a car service center. He was good though and had been a mechanic since a teenager. He loved working on cars and got a job repairing cars after high school. His father owned several car service centers in the Richmond area and had given him a job once he finished his training. That was over fifteen years ago. The money was good too and it allowed for him and his wife to live comfortably. Margaret never worked while married. Before they married, she worked some part-time as an office worker after high school.

Margaret got off the phone. David is coming for dinner, Peter.

I think that will be good, Peter replied.

Angela was listening close although she pretended to be focused on the tea glasses.

Margaret was busy cooking dinner. She had made a chocolate cake earlier that afternoon. Angela loved chocolate cake. Her aunt was a good cook. In some ways, a better cook than her mother was, although Angela wouldn’t admit that to anyone. She was proud of her mother’s cooking too, especially her pot roast. She would slice white potatoes and carrots to put into the roast dish. She poured cream of mushroom soup on top. Once it was baked, it was delicious. Her mother’s spaghetti was out of this world she thought but she loved her aunt’s desserts. Chocolate cake she couldn’t resist.

Angie, dinner will be ready in five minutes, Margaret said, as she took the bread out of the oven. The smell from the cooked vegetables smelled so good. Angela was hungry and the minutes she waited until dinner were tempting her as she eyed the chocolate cake on the kitchen counter. Her aunt noticed as Angela eyed the cake and said, Just a few minutes, honey, and David will be here.

I’m hungry Aunt Margaret. It’s been several hours since I ate lunch, Angela stated.

Just a little longer dear, please, her aunt said.

Okay, as Angela licked her lips. She could not forget about the chocolate cake that instant.

It seemed like forever when the doorbell rang. Normally, dinner is served around 6:00 o’clock. It was now after 6:30 o’clock when David got there. As he entered the front door, he looked clean and had worn fresh jeans. He changed to a clean t-shirt too. Sorry, I’m a little late. Told you it would be at least thirty minutes, didn’t I? He giggled and smiled at Margaret as he came into the kitchen.

Margaret took the cube steak out of the skillet. She had been keeping the meat warm on low heat. She strained the fresh lima beans and rice she had cooked. She cut the Italian bread into adequate slices. The adults would eat the larger pieces she felt. The smaller pieces were for the children. She also placed butter beside the bread so everyone could butter their own piece of bread. She also had cut a large tomato into thin slices.

Dinner is served, as Margaret put the food into dishes before placing it on the kitchen table. Margaret helped Philip get his food onto his plate. Angela was readily putting food on her plate as the food was passed around the table.

Peter asked, Angie, would you say grace tonight?

Angela knew the Lord’s Prayer. She had gone to church most Sundays with her mother and brother. Her father did not attend church regularly but did make the children say grace before meals and at bedtime.

Lord, thank you for this food. Please make my mother well. As she said this, Margaret begin to sniffle and her father was silent. She felt she said something wrong but continued on with the prayer. Lord, you know the medicine my mother needs. She is sick so please make her better so she can come home. Amen.

Angela started to eat her food. Her father and aunt were quiet at first. Then her father spoke up and asked David, How is the shop going?

Great, repaired three new cars today. I had a Mercedes the first of the week. Expensive parts so I had to charge for them and several hours of labor. I worked nearly three days on it. It took a day to get all of the parts. The owner wasn’t too happy about that, David said.

How much was the work? Peter asked.

It was about three thousand dollars in total. The motor had burned out and couldn’t be repaired. I had to order a new engine, he replied.

Wow. They cost that much? Peter asked.

On a Mercedes they do. People like to drive them until they see how expensive the parts are, he replied.

I bet, Peter said.

Dad has been struggling with arthritis lately. He told me the other day that he won’t be coming into the shops as much. He has a man that comes in daily during the week to help and another man helps on the weekends, David stated.

Is your Dad getting up in age? Peter asked.

He is in his mid-fifties but acts older, Peter replied. I think he wants to go fishing sometimes. David giggled again.

It’s possible. Ever see his fishing line in back of the truck? Peter asked.

No, not really but just a feeling I have, David replied.

As they finished dinner, Margaret got up to get a knife out of the tray in order to cut the cake. She went to the refrigerator to retrieve vanilla ice cream out of the freezer. She cut the cake into pieces. She knew Angela loved chocolate cake so she cut her a bigger slice. She then scooped vanilla ice cream on top of each slice. She served the cake and ice cream. It tasted so good as it went down, Angela thought. That is what is special about her Aunt Margaret. She did for others and she always gave Angela special attention. She loved her aunt but inside her heart was breaking for her mother.

After eating dessert, Angela helped her aunt clean up the dinner dishes. Philip joined his father and Uncle David in the den watching television. When the dinner dishes were washed and put into the