Sharon resisted the urge to take Aunt Kathy's arm as the old woman stepped out onto the porch, though she did allow herself to steady the rocker as Aunt Kathy settled into the seat Sharon had just vacated.

"Why don't you go get us a glass of tea before you sit back down?" asked Aunt Kathy.

"Sure." Sharon started into the house. "Want I should bring the afghan off the couch out to cover your legs?"

Kathy started to shake her head,no, then thought better of it.
"That would be right nice, dear, I appreciate it."

Sharon brought out the laprobe, then returned to the house, heading for the kitchen to pour tall glasses of sweet tea. Kathy sat and waited, breathing in the scent of the lilac bush beside the porch. She was pleased to see the boys had managed to repair the rail on that side without damaging the bush. They had also replaced some of the floorboards. She breathed deep, trying to catch the smell of the new wood through the perfume of the lilac. They had wanted to paint the porch, but Kathy had stopped them.

"The weathered wood just suits me," is all she would say. "Those new boards will match the rest soon enough."

Mjolnir had gone off on patrol, and she hoped the wren would return to its work soon. The little bird flashed restlessly among the branches of the lilac, eager to get back to building its bower. It flew away, however, when Sharon backed through the screendoor, a glass of iced tea in each hand.