Kythryn was still recovering from hepatitis last year. Wedging through the room, Katherine, each hand supporting a full plate, is clearing the way for Grandma toward the front porch, the old woman followed too closely by Nicole and her omnipresent friend. And, spiraling toward her, stopping to chat casually along the way, orbit disintegrating, Becky. Kythryn begins jostling toward a table and finds her way blocked by a stout young piefaced redhead with a plateful of dumplings. Down the line, winding between the tables.
People laugh, pointing at each other's plates, at their own.
Great to see you made it for a change. She glances over her shoulder at him and their eyes connect. Black hair so short these days it bristles, cat's hackles. She wants to rub it.