The Body in the Web by Katherine Hall Page

Author:Katherine Hall Page [Page, Katherine Hall]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-05-30T00:00:00+00:00

February did go by fast, as Faith had predicted, clouded by the news of Covid’s Delta variant and more bad weather. Vaccination appointments got canceled, and Zach and Ben, when he could take the time, scurried to find new ones. They were able to schedule a group of Aleford’s teachers, including Claudia, for March 6 at Foxborough.

The idea she’d had for Henry Wald’s belated eightieth had percolated to the point where Faith thought she’d run it by Pix. It had been a welcome break to think of a celebration. She called, and a few minutes later, dressed for the cold and clutching travel mugs of coffee, they met at the hedge.

“I can’t claim that it’s completely original—I saw something on the news about another town doing it. Think Fourth of July parade, which we didn’t have last summer and probably won’t this one.”

The Aleford parade was an old-fashioned one, complete with the group of kids riding bikes decorated down to the spokes.

“I think it was on the North Shore, but instead of a parade, they had cars decorated for the Fourth drive all over the town in a cavalcade, as a loudspeaker on one played Sousa marches. People sat on their porches or lawns to watch. I thought we could have a birthday parade drive past the Walds’ house, doubling back to make it longer, like the Fourth parade on Sanpere.”

“That’s a terrific idea! We could make ‘Happy Birthday, Henry’ signs for the cars, and the speaker could play something like the Beatles’ ‘Birthday.’”

“Yes! Or Zach and Ben can download Marilyn Monroe singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to JFK, substituting ‘Mr. Moderator’ for ‘Mr. President.’ I’m sure the Fire Department will bring up the rear with the vintage truck as they always do on the Fourth. Henry was a volunteer back in the day when it was a volunteer department.”

“How will we keep it a surprise? We’ll need to tell Persis so they’ll be outside. She’ll keep mum, but how to get the word out without Henry picking up on it?”

“Getting the word out isn’t a problem, and we’d be sure to say it was a surprise. This is Aleford! All we have to do is tell several people and it will be like the old telephone game. Plus, we can put it in the Crier and tell Persis to keep Henry from reading it.”

“You’re right. When were you thinking of doing it? Before or after Town Meeting? It’s virtual again.”

“Why not make it after? I know it’s April but can’t remember the date.”

“The third.” Faith relied on Pix for keeping track of all town events.

“Things will be in bloom—at least some things. I thought the kids and I could hand a little box with cupcakes to each car. Niki is a whiz at decorating them. Maybe a gavel with ‘Happy Henry Day.’”

“We need this. The town needs it. Tell me when you’re putting it in the Crier, and I’ll get the word out. My mother will be pleased. She’s very fond of Henry—and Persis.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.