Where Yesterday Lives by Karen Kingsbury

Author:Karen Kingsbury
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub, pdf
Tags: Adult, Fiction
ISBN: 9780307568632
Publisher: Multnomah Books
Published: 1998-06-29T22:00:00+00:00

Inside the Barrett home, Jane heard the front door close and looked up from her dinner.

“Who was that?”

“Ellen. She’s going out with a friend. She’ll meet you and Megan back at the apartment later.”

“That’s nice.” Jane had really tried to be more civil since Ellen had told them about the miscarriages, but she couldn’t keep the tinge of sarcasm from her voice. “Shouldn’t she be here? We haven’t finished working out the funeral plans.”

Their mother shrugged. “She said she’d go along with whatever we decided. I think she needs time away.”

“Well, then, let’s decide whether or not we’re going to write separate eulogies and read them at the funeral. I think we should do it because it’s something Mom wants.”

Jane looked around the table, waiting for a response.

“Well?” she said when they were silent.

“I don’t like it, but I’ll do it,” Amy said finally. “Mom, it doesn’t matter if it’s short, does it?”

“No. Make it as long or short as you like.”

Aaron shook his head. “I can’t write something like that, Mom. You know how I am.”

“I’m not asking you to write an essay, Aaron. Just a few words about your father and what you’ll miss the most.”

Aaron was quiet a moment and Jane wondered if he might actually cry He nodded abruptly, then rose from the table. “Fine. I’ll try.”

Megan wiped her mouth with a napkin. “I already said I liked the idea.”

“And Ellen said she’d do whatever we wanted, so I guess that settles it. Right, Mom?” Jane looked at her mother expectantly

“Seems like it. You’ll have to let Ellen know tonight. Other than that, I think we’re about done.”

“I’m going to bed,” Aaron announced.

“So early?” The disappointment was evident in Mom’s creased forehead, in her pained expression.

“Yes.” Aaron’s voice was defensive. “I need to work on what I’m going to say. Is that all right with you?”

True to form, Mom backed down. “Sure, honey. I’m sorry. We’ll see you tomorrow, then.”

The others finished their dinner and gathered in the den to watch television. Since that didn’t interest her, Jane borrowed Megan’s car and set out to relieve Aunt Mary of her children. As she walked across the front yard she passed Ellen. She said nothing to her then or ten minutes later when she returned with the children in tow.

What Ellen had told her had struck deep. Had it been any other person, any friend, who had shared such a struggle, Jane would have known what to say, what to do. But this was Ellen. And with Ellen, Jane simply didn’t know any way other than anger.

Silence seemed the greatest kindness she could extend.

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