Bess came for coffee this morning.
She wasn’t invited and she didn’t call ahead.
A few minutes after her arrival, a knock on the door heralded Barbie’s arrival.
Paul came shortly after her.
The three of them sat at the table and I made a big pot of coffee. Bess brought out some muffins and Barbie set a small wheel of cheese on the table.
They looked to Paul and he reached into his pockets and produced six clementines and a small pot of honey.
Bess asked which cupboard had plates, but instinctively went to the right one. Barbie found the milk, cream and sugar.
Paul peeled a piece of fruit and drizzled honey into a mug… he then dipped clementine wedges into the honey to eat them. He held out the same mug for coffee when I brought the pot over to the table.
The three of them talked about the folks in town, made small talk and included me in the inanities of every day chatter.
Bess told me the names of her children and said they were with Fiona – the barmaid who had mornings off work.
Barbie and Paul left together hand in hand. Him to walk along the old rails and Barbie to walk the rail fence.
Bess stayed for a few moments.
“They think you’ll make it,” She told me.
“Make it as what?” I asked.
“Make it as a member in town. Some people pack up before the end of the first Summer… they can’t handle waiting for the inbound Winter. But, you’ve already done a bit of the Frost Season with us. And, you’re taking the waters.”
“I feel better since I started.” I admitted.
“Of course you do,” She said. She reached out and patted my cheek.
“May 12th, right?” I asked.
“The Flower Moon,” She agreed. “The moon of promises. You’ll love it.”
She gave me a hug and left. The only member of our breakfast group to drive away.
At the end of the drive she waved her hand out open window and turned the corner back into town.