16C sunny.
Got a little bit done on the story but have to head out in a few minutes. M is off to a ladies pairs competition in Juan de Fuca and I have a poster that has to go up this morning.

“C’mon Bob, your brother will be here in a moment.”

They both went around to the front of the house and sat on the steps.

Bob felt a curious mix of excitement and sadness but waited in silence.

Alicia, unusually talkative, kept up a stream

of inconsequential chatter.

They didn’t have long to wait until they saw a grey car moving hesitantly along the street.

Bob stood up and waved and a moment later the car pulled in behind Alicia’s. The first person out was a young girl of about twelve or thirteen followed by an attractive woman probably in her early forties; they both rushed to Bob and embraced him, tears streamed down their faces as they hugged and kissed him. A moment later, Bob’s brother stood waiting for his wife and daughter to slow down then stepped forward and the two brothers embraced as well.

Alicia started to cry silently as she witnessed the reunion and started to turn away when Bob’s sister in law saw her tears and went to her; “you must be the wonderful heroin we heard about, I’m Irene and this young lady is Natalie. I think we are very much in your debt.”

Alicia blinked back her tears, shaking her head, “No, I am just happy for all of you that this has ended so well, I’m sorry about my tears, it’s just seeing you all, y,you, your, oh damn, I’m sorry!” She started to sob.

Irene put her arms around Alicia and said over her shoulder, “Jim, you and Bob have five minutes while Alicia shows me where her bathroom is, then we will all sit down together. Natalie you stay and make sure they come in shortly.” She and Alicia moved up the steps and into the house.

While Irene was in the bathroom, Alicia wiped away her tears and set out cups and muffins that Bob had purchased for her earlier.

When Irene came out to the kitchen Alicia was composed and had her emotions in check.