Her husband’s chest expanded as he filled it with air then deflated when he released it. “It’s your call, Leah. She’s your daughter”

"Hi, Miri,” Mrs. Weiss said into the phone.

“Ma, is everything okay?”

Mrs. Weiss looked at her husband. “Yes, of course.”

“Oh, baruch Hashem, you scared me.”

“Sorry, sweetie. I didn’t mean to.” Mrs. Weiss waited just a second, then spoke. “Miri?”

“Yep?” Miri’s voice was cheerful.

“I, um…” She glanced at her husband again. “I just wanted to wish you a good night.”

“You too, Ma. I love you.”

“Me too, Miri. So much. See you tomorrow.”

Mrs. Weiss ended the call and faced her husband. “Sorry, I had a change of heart. She sounded so happy. I couldn’t tell her.”

Her husband’s chest expanded as he filled it with air then deflated when he released it. “It’s your call, Leah. She’s your daughter.”

Miri hoped everything was all right, but dismissed her worry when Shoshi set up a board game on the floor.

“I love Monopoly!”

For the next fifty minutes, the girls bought properties and managed their homes and hotels as their wheelbarrow and top hat raced around the board. Miri groaned when her top hat landed on Boardwalk.

“Yes!” Shoshi sliced the air with her fist. “You owe me $2,000.”

Miri was counting out the paper money when the sound of the front door slamming made both girls lift their heads.

Shoshi looked at her watch. “It’s too early to be my father.” Her eyes unexpectedly lit up. “Hold on a sec. I’ll be right back.”

In her rush, Shoshi left the door to her room open.

“Yochevs!” Miri heard Shoshi loud and clear.

“Hey, Shosh.”

“I’m so happy you’re back. I was totally not handling it when I got your letter.”

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have put you through that, even for a short time.”

“Who cares! As long as you’re back.”

Miri pulled her knees up to her chest. From where had Yocheved returned? And why would she have left if her mother was sick?

“Are you hungry?” Shoshi asked her sister.

“Starved.”

“Great, I made salad and hard-boiled eggs for supper. I was saving it for Tatty, but he’s at a chasunah.”

A moment later, Miri heard Yocheved’s delighted exclamation. “Oh, my gosh! You also made me lunch for school tomorrow! Shoshi, you’re the sweetest!”

“I-I… yeah, that bag is for you.”

Miri’s mouth opened, soundlessly objecting.

“But how’d you know I was coming back tonight?” Yocheved said.

“I didn’t. I just hoped you would, and, you know, I thought I’d have it ready for you just in case.”