Mother drank at least six glasses of fine wine – most of the bottle that I had bought. And we ate several courses of exquisitely prepared food.All a...cording to plan.I stopped my approach as soon as I stood behind her, staring back through the mirror at her questioning gaze. I slowly brought my hands up to lay upon her thin white shoulders – the blouse from earlier in our evening already discarded. The elastic straps of her brassiere contrasting with the smooth cool skin that seemed harsh in. With Henry's approval she had even bought a complete set of French pots and pans. They were handmade from thick copper and coated with tin on the inside. She also cooked on a gas stove claiming it to be superior to ceramic stoves. Not that anybody ever complained about the food she prepared.After dinner, Josie spent two hours with the twins. She meant to speak about school issues, but in reality they just planned future family life. Pat and Megan were as enthusiastic about having Henry as their. "Now take off those wet clothes and we will get you comfortable." I had never taken my clothes off in front of anyone but my husband but now, it didn't seem to matter and I began to unfasten the buttons of my sodden shirt and simultaneously, stepped out of my shoes. Neither Freyja nor Lilith averted their eyes, both watching me as I released each button and peeled the clinging fabric from my skin. Lilith stepped behind me and gently pulled the blouse from my shoulders, the sleeves turning. But my first day back, and I knew what I wanted to do tomorrow.After I woke up and showered, I put on one of my dresses and walked to the next block. I turned the corner to the right, and let my cane tap farther to the right so I could count the number of driveways. Finally I found the 4th one, and then tapped until I was at the sidewalk to the front door. With a bit of nerves, I walked up to the door and rang the doorbell.I heard the door open, and a woman asked “Hello, can I help you?”I tried.