“What in the world happened to you?”
“I’ve been down at the Peters helping Jane take care of Sammy, but I was thrown out.”
“Did Jane send you home?”
“No, Sammy did.”
Mom was on her feet in an instant, all concern. “Why that poor child,” she said. “Down there all alone taking care of him.” She reached for a sweater and started out the door. Billy trotted along at her side.
“I helped her, Mom. I did everything I could think of.”
Arriving at the Peters’ cottage, Mom pushed the gate open and hurried up the walk. She knocked and Janie appeared, completely unruffled.
“Janie,” cried Mom. “What happened? What’s wrong with little Sam. Is he feverish?”
“No, Mom,” Jane answered calmly. “It was just a tantrum. I put him back to bed and he’s fast asleep.”
Standing there, one step below her daughter on the steps Mom suddenly felt completely inadequate.