“Yes, Mary-Clare.”
“How––did you know––where I was?”
“I stopped at the yellow house. I saw your––I saw Larry––he told me where to find you.”
“He told you that?”
The bravery flickered––but pride rallied.
“He is very changed.” The words were chosen carefully. “He is very patient and––and Noreen loves him. She never could have, if he had not come back! She––well, you remember how she used to take care of me?”
“Yes, Mary-Clare.”
“She takes care of her father in that way, now that she understands his need.”
“She would. That would be Noreen’s way.”
“Yes, her way. And I am glad he came back to us. It might all have been so different.”