“What?” Rikki said.

“It sounds like it was okay. I mean, you’re talking about it as though you handled the situation and may have even enjoyed it.”

Rikki looked at Ruchie, and they both smiled. “It was kind of fun. And the best part about it was Chaya singing.”
“Singing?”

“Yes. Humming. A real tune.”

“Wait a minute.” Mrs. Levy’s head shook with disbelief. “Chaya sang?”

“Totally.”
“I can’t believe it.”

“Neither could we,” Rikki said. “And the crazy thing is, she has a really sweet voice.”

“Are you sure?”

“Ma, I’m a thousand percent positive. Right, Ruchie?”

Ruchie nodded vigorously.

Mrs. Levy sat down. “Chaya. Can. Sing. I can’t wait to tell Tatty.”
“How is he, Ma?”

“He’s okay. It was a neis, girls. His car is totaled. He’s bruised and has a broken rib, but baruch Hashem, he’ll be home before you know it.”

“Oh my gosh! A broken rib. Poor Tatty! I want to go visit him.”
“We’ll have to play it by ear. I may need you to babysit the boys while I’m there.”

“I can babysit with you, Rikki Dee, if you want.”

“That’s very nice of you, Ruchie,” Mrs. Levy said. “Thanks for helping Rikki on such short notice. It was a huge help.” She looked around. “Where’s Dina? Did she even come last night?”
“Yes. She left at six this morning. She told me to tell you that she’s available for as long as you need her.”

Mrs. Levy stifled another yawn. “That’s so nice of her.”

Maddy scrutinized Mrs. Levy. “Would you like a coffee?”  Mrs. Levy smiled and stood up. “Thank, maybe later, right now, I have to wake the boys and get them ready for school.”

“Boy,” Ruchie said after Mrs. Levy left the kitchen. “your mother really has her hands full.”
Rikki’s bottom lip puckered. “I know. I wish there were something I could do to help her.”

“Like what?”
Rikki shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m already babysitting.”

“Maybe we can bake a cake after school.”

“Or maybe cookies.”
“Ladies,” Maddy said. “Do you mind if I give you an idea?”

The girls looked her.

“I think the only help your mom needs right now is some joy.”
“Joy?”

“Sure. Did you see your mom’s eyes when you told her that Chaya sang with you? That was joy…pure, simple joy. That’s the only help she needs right now – joy from her family. Meaning, you getting along with your sister.” She looked at Rikki over the top of her glasses. “I’m going to check on Chaya. You think about what I said.”

Rikki didn’t have to think too hard.

“Maybe,” Rikki said after Maddy’s footsteps drew farther down the hall, “it would be a good idea to have Chaya perform with us at the Melava Malka.”

“You mean, like, you agree to have it here?”
“That’s the only way Chaya can come, right?” Rikki said. “If that doesn’t bring joy to my mother, I can’t imagine what will.”

XXXX

Miri sat down on the chair near Malky and reached for the box of cereal.

“Hello! I was reading the back,” Devory said.

“Oh. Sorry. I didn’t realize.” Miri looked at her mother for support.

“Good morning, Miri.” She winked. “I also have grilled cheese sandwiches if you want something hot.”

Miri filled a bowl with cereal then handed the box back to Devory. “Thanks, but cereal is fine.”

“I’ll have another grilled cheese sandwich,” Benny said. “I love it. Can I have one in my lunch too?”
Mrs. Weiss smiled. “Sure.”

“Guess what?” Malky said. “We’re going to a trampoline park today because our class benched the best the whole month.”

“In my old school, we also went. It was amazing. You’re going to have a blast.”

“Really? I was kind of scared to go. I heard that someone broke her leg there.”

“Don’t worry about that. Just be careful and follow the rules.” Miri gave her an encouraging smile. “You’ll see, it will be amazing.”

Malky lowered her spoon. “Thanks, Miri.”

Devory dropped her spoon in her bowl and stood up. “Oh, please, Malky, you’re such a drama queen. You love trampoline parks, and you know it. I don’t know why you’re pretending that you’re scared.”

“I know I like them, but I’m scared anyway.”

“I’m the same way with rollercoasters,” Miri said. “I love them, but I’m still petrified while I’m waiting in line.”

“You just want sympathy, Malky Weiss!” Devory said. “You’re making a whole big deal to get attention.”

“I am not,” Malky whimpered. “It’s exactly like Miri and rollercoasters.”

Devory snorted. “I never heard you complain about it before.”

“That’s because I wasn’t scared before! But I’m scared now, after I heard that story about the girl who broke her leg!”

“That could scare anyone, Malky,” Mrs. Weiss said softly. She placed her hands comfortingly on Malky’s shoulders. “Everyone has love-hate relationships with certain things.”

Miri stole a quick look in Devory’s direction and wasn’t surprised to see her lips set in a straight line. She braced herself for the comeback.

Devory looked at Malky, then picked up her bowl and dropped it noisily into the sink.

Miri breathed out. She wondered what the day would bring. Devory was so unpredictable.

To be continued…

(Originally featured in Mishpacha Jr., Issue 811)