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down toward the floor. “These electric sockets could use some updating,” she said. “I could try, but I expect you’d need a real electrician to do that.”
    â€œAll in good time,” Jessie said. “We’ll just be careful not to overload them right away.”
    As the adults set their loads down in the living room, little Abby was already running out into the kitchen. Jessie followed. She half expected Mom to be in there, with an apron around her waist, baking her famous cornbread. Or, since it was Saturday, browning some pancakes in the skillet. The kitchen was small and old-fashioned, especially compared to the modern stainless-steel-and-glass kitchen at Monica’s house. But something about the old black stove made Jessie feel happy, as if everything was going to be just fine in their new home.
    â€œYou’ll need a new fridge,” Aunt Paulette was saying. “I tried turning it on yesterday and getting it cold for you, but it’s dead.”
    Jessie placed her hand on the side of the old avocado-green Frigidaire. A couple of magnets still adhered to the door. AN EYE FOR AN EYE LEAVES THE WHOLE WORLD BLIND and LIVE AND LET LIVE. They were two of Mom’s favorite sayings.
    â€œFor now, you can keep food that will spoil over in our house,” Monica was saying.
    â€œThanks, Monica,” Jessie said, and offered her sister a smile. As usual, Monica avoided eye contact. It was just that way between them, Jessie thought a little sadly.
    â€œPlumbing works,” Inga announced, coming out of the small bathroom off the kitchen. The sound of tap water rushing into the sink reached their ears, along with the flushing of a toilet.
    â€œI brought over some fresh linens this morning,” Aunt Paulette said. “What was left of your mother’s was pretty dusty and moth-eaten.”
    â€œThank you so much, all of you,” Jessie said, looking around at the three of them.
    â€œOf course, honey,” Aunt Paulette said, embracing her. “It’s just so good to have you and Abby home.”
    â€œIt’s good to be home.”
    Jessie noticed that Monica busied herself emptying a bag of silverware and canned goods. Todd had drifted off toward the back door, where he stood with his back to them, gazing out into the yard. He was wearing a white T-shirt, and Jessie noticed how fit he’d been keeping himself. His shoulder muscles filled the tee with a solidity and hardness that surprised Jessie, and his horseshoe-shape triceps flexed instinctively as he moved the curtains on the back door aside.
    â€œI’ll mow the grass back there,” Todd was saying. “We haven’t been keeping up with this part of the property, but now that you’re back, Abby might want to use the swing set.”
    â€œOh, thanks, Todd,” Jessie said, but she was drowned out by Abby’s outburst of excitement upon hearing the words “swing set.”
    Todd smiled down at the little girl. “Yes, Abby, there’s a swing set, though it’s pretty old and rusty.”
    â€œNothing a little oil and paint can’t fix,” Inga said, peering out at the decrepit metal swing set through the back window. Jessie and Monica had played on it when they were kids. Against the tall green and yellow grass, the swings looked black, like relics from a burned-out city.
    â€œWell, we should let you and Abby settle in,” Monica said. “You have unpacking to do, and I’m sure you’ll want to run down to the market to do some shopping. Feel free to take my car.”
    â€œIt’ll feel strange to drive again,” Jessie said.
    â€œThe keys are hanging next to the phone in our pantry. Just come in and get them when you need them.”
    â€œThank you again, Monica,” Jessie said.
    But once more when she tried to find her sister’s eyes, Jessie was unsuccessful. Monica was already heading out of the kitchen and back toward the