In fact, she was in so much pain she could hardly walk. I offered to help her change dressings but she refused to let me see the results of the surger.... “It’s a work in progress,” she said.I had scheduled a week of vacation to care for her. There was no way she could prepare meals, so I resorted to making rice and noodle bowls for lunch and dinner.The first night I brought a tray to her. “Here,” I said and sat beside her on the bed. She swallowed a couple spoonfuls and set the tray aside. “Mae. .. It could have just been a resemblance, Tamara couldn't be sure. She found the bathroom and closed herself inside to urinate.It wasn't fair. Logan fumed at the fact that his sister had gotten to shoot the gun and he hadn't. It ruined his entire day. I should have been the one to shoot it. I know I'd be better than a girl.He picked at his food as his brother and sister devoured theirs, considered not eating at all. Then he remembered something a soldier said to another when they passed. "But Dad! If he finds out I'm--" Stay just for a little while," the young teenager said, pulling the woman by her arm towards the couch (and ignoring the fact she may be on something, the way she had trouble coordinating her movements). "It's not everyday a girl gets to talk with a big star like you, Ms. Lamphear! And while we're talking, maybe mom will show up!" I don't think she will, little girl," the 'woman' said, letting herself be dragged along."Oh?" the girl sounded a little. . You...” she stopped and then came out with it. “Your first Christmas alone – I mean without Elizabeth. I wanted to spend Christmas with you, John.”John felt a warm glow and a surge of affection for her.“Hmm. I wonder?” Then he stirred himself. “There are five of us, more of you if they all came...”“You mean have everyone at Grange?” Her eyes sparkled. “That’s a lovely idea and there’s certainly enough room. A full house! How wonderful! Mum would have loved that; she used to come over to us.