Page 87 of The Summer We Mended
“It’s wonderful,” Mrs.Carter said, her gaze lingering on the wheel in the corner, the drying racks full of tiny, imperfect masterpieces.“Absolutely wonderful.I was worried it might stay closed all season.”
Lily shrugged lightly.“Anna needed the time.And I needed the distraction.”
Mrs.Carter nodded, her expression softening.“Of course.I heard what’s happening.Everyone has.We’re all praying.I just…wanted you to know that.”
Lily swallowed.“Thank you.”
“And listen,” Mrs.Carter continued, stepping a bit closer, “the art fair is coming up next weekend.Anna volunteered, you know.We thought we could talk you into coming, maybe showcasing some new work.I completely understand if that’s no longer the case, but I didn’t want to let it pass without saying something.”
“She mentioned it once,” Lily said, glancing over at Nora, who was now painting a ceramic owl bright purple.“I think she’d planned to do something with the kids.”
“Well,” Mrs.Carter said gently, “if it’s not something she can do this time, that’s all right.But I do hopeyou’llconsider it.”
Lily blinked.“Me?”
“You’ve been working, haven’t you?”Mrs.Carter gestured toward the corner, where a few of Lily’s thrown bowls rested under plastic.“Don’t think I don’t recognize your hands in that shape.”
Lily gave a quiet laugh.“It’s been a while.”
“All the more reason to do it.No pressure, of course.But I think it might do you and this place some good.Even just a few pieces.People still talk about your glazes, you know.You’re always a hit at the auctions and fairs.I know it’s a lot with everything going on and I don’t want to push you, but it would just be so great for the kids’ art and…”
“I’m not sure anyone would even remember me,” Lily murmured.
Mrs.Carter leaned in slightly.“Oh, Lily.People don’t forget beauty when it comes from the soul.I’ve had at least a dozen people asking me if you would be showcasing anything, or if you’d be auctioning anything off this time around.”
Lily let out a long sigh.Last month, the thought would have caused a lot of anxiety for her, but as she looked over at the twins, who were giggling as they used their wheels, there wasn’t even a hint of anxiety.
“I’ll think about it,” she said with a smile.
“Good.”Mrs.Carter touched her arm.“And if there’s anything you or Anna need, anything at all, just say the word.”
“Thank you.Really.”
With a final smile for the children and a wave, Mrs.Carter stepped back into the sunlight and let the studio door swing gently shut behind her.
Lily turned back to Nora.
“Grandma, we should make a really pretty vase for the fair,” Nora said.“Me and Blaze can help.”
“That would be perfect,” Lily replied softly.
Lily grinned back at her granddaughter.The twins were helping her move through her grief, and she could only hope that seeing the three of them working together excitedly like this would help her daughter to be able to work through her fear, too.
ChapterThirty-Three
Anna
Anna stood in the kitchen, her fingers trembling slightly as she clutched her phone to her ear.The call had connected, but the voice on the other end was delivering the same answer she’d heard for days now.
“Nothing new yet, ma’am.The search is ongoing.As soon as there’s an update, you’ll be contacted.”
Anna shut her eyes.Her voice cracked as she whispered, “Thank you.”But the words tasted hollow.She ended the call before she could hear the automatic platitudes that always followed.
The silence in the house was a presence in itself.It crept into her bones, settled in her chest, and pressed down until she could hardly breathe.She tossed the phone onto the kitchen counter and leaned against it, staring at the faded tile floor.
“Still nothing?”Margot asked gently, stepping into the room.Her face was soft with sympathy, but Anna didn’t have the energy to respond.She just shook her head.
Margot approached slowly and laid a hand on Anna’s shoulder.“Why don’t I take the kids down to the beach?They’re getting restless and… maybe you could use some quiet.”
