It took a great deal of nerve for her to tiptoe across the tin roof, climb in the window, and feel her way across the sitting room to the bathroom. She did not dare turn on a light until she reached the bathroom. Click! The light was on and, in some miraculous way, fear fled with the darkness. Mimi was almost herself when she reappeared on the roof, aspirin in one hand and a glass of water in the other.
Madge’s head was in Betsy’s lap. She was stroking her forehead with her finger tips.
“She counted to twenty-nine while you were gone.”
Betsy was weak with fright.
Mimi lifted Madge’s weary head and gave her the aspirin.
“Now we’re going to sleep. Betsy, get over there where you belong. Now Madge, honey, close your eyes and rest.”
Mimi began humming softly as Mammy Cissy would. Poor little Madge! Thank goodness Mother Dear never let her believe a lot of old wives’ tales. Madge was relaxing.
Finally all on the roof but Mimi were quiet. She could not get comfortable. She could not turn to cuddle down for fear of waking Madge who had dozed off against her. Mimi began to cramp from being so long in such an uncomfortable position. She sat up to ease Madge over. There was a queer light now.
Had the party lasted all night?
The town clock answered. It boomed out two o’clock. No, it wasn’t dawn. What could the light be?