She didn’t want to consider her stepmother’s feelings. She was too busy dealing with her own

"What happened to the house you want to buy?” Miri asked her mother.

“Well, you know we were called home, so Ta never did end up seeing it.”

“Are you going to show it to him?”

“Actually, yes, tonight, in about a half hour.”

Delight and horror filled Miri at the same time. “That’s great, and also not so great, but I guess it was bound to happen that I’d be stuck at home with Devory.”

“I wanted to talk to you about that.”

Miri hmphed melodramatically.

“I think she really wants to make up with you.”

“What?!”

“Yes. Did you realize that Ta didn’t speak to you about the whole name-calling episode?”

“Yes, I actually did.”

“It was because Devory asked him not to. She told him she’d work it out with you.”

Miri didn’t think Devory’s change of heart was a good sign. She was convinced it was because her stepfather found out about Devory initiating the silent treatment at school, and was trying to save her own skin.

She decided not to share that tidbit with her mother. It seemed that all she did lately was complain to her mother about Devory. Maybe it was time to let nature take its course. Nothing else seemed to be working anyway.

“Well, if she wants to make peace, okay with me.”

“It would be nice if you girls got along.” Mrs. Weiss gave Miri a hopeful smile. “Would Shoshi like me to drive her home when I leave?”

“She already left. Do you think she could sleep here for Shabbos?”

“I don’t see why not. I’ll ask Ta just to make sure he’s comfortable with the idea. You know, things are still so new.”

“It’s so funny,” Miri said without any humor in her voice. “Before, you always made the decisions about everything. Now you always have to ask him.”

“I know, but now it’s not just about us, there are a lot more people in our lives. I just want to make sure everyone is happy.”

“But he’s so strict about so many things. Doesn’t it bother you that you’re not the boss anymore?”

“Boss?” Her mother laughed. She pulled Miri into a hug, and Miri hugged her back.

“I like sharing decision-making.” Mrs. Weiss spoke into Miri’s hair. “It’s been a long time since I had someone to talk things over with.”

“Ma!”

“You know what I mean.”

“I know.”

Mrs. Weiss kissed Miri on the top of her head and let go.

“You okay, Ma?” Miri said when she noticed her mother’s misty eyes.

“Yes, just thankful to Hashem.” Mrs. Weiss touched her lashes with her fingertips and blinked several times. “He’s a good man, Miri. I wish you could see that.”