“Fine,” I muttered, but I wasn’t really that upset. I adored my grandkids, but Charlie was right. I was tired, and I’d done nothing but sit with Alice all day. Besides, Charlie and Angie had a sitter that the boys really seemed to like, and they could stay at their own house with all their toys and games. Alice and I weren’t averse to having a supply of stuff for the boys at the house, but we didn’t have anywhere near what they did.

“Anyway, I just came to check in before I head home. Are you all right?” Charlie asked, and I was glad that he seemed to be directing the question to both of us. Alice smiled and nodded to him, and then went reaching for her straw again, since I’d moved it again by accident while talking to Charlie.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” I assured him. “You and Angie have fun on your date.”

“I’m sure we will,” he replied, and I saw his face fall a little bit. There was nothing he hated more than the feeling that he was neglecting his family, and while he’d never consciously blame Alice, her condition meant that on top of his busy work schedule he was spending a lot more time away from home than usual. I thought about telling him that it would work out soon enough, but decided against it. He was a lot like me in that respect, and my saying anything would do more harm than good.

Charlie gave Alice a kiss on the cheek before he left, and told me to go home and to take it easy. I agreed, albeit reluctantly. I knew the whole thing was tough on him, and he seemed to be the one trying to keep everything running smoothly. He was good at it and always had been, but it did take its toll.

He gave me a quick kiss too before he left, and quietly told us both, “I talked to Kallie a little earlier. She’s finally almost done grading for the past semester, or so she says. I’m sure she’ll have some other project before long. Anyway, she’s planning to stop over this evening. I’m not sure if she’ll be able to before you leave, Ma, but she said she’d try and asked me to let you know.”