“She accused you? Just like that? With no proof?”

Shoshie reread the letter to her partner, then slipped it into an envelope and licked it. “Gross!”

She knew her words would give her pen pal food for thought, and she was looking forward to reading her response.

There was a knock on her door, but Shoshie didn’t move from the swinging chair she was perched on. “Come in.”

The door opened.

“Donny!” Shoshie jumped out of the chair. “I don’t believe it!”

“Hey, Shosh. What’s going on?”

“Hello! You tell me. Are you home for good, or just missing my cooking?”

Donny tilted his head. “Is that humor I hear?”

Shoshie laughed. “I guess so.”

Donny stepped inside and closed the door. “That’s good, Shosh. That means you’re okay.” He searched her face.

“Yeah. I’m good.”

Donny pulled on the chain supporting the chair. “Hasn’t fallen yet. I did a pretty good job.” He lowered himself onto it. “Aah, this is great.”

Shoshie plopped onto her bed and folded her legs. “So, are you back for good?”

“Let’s just say that I’m here for tonight, and I’ll play it by ear.”

“I’m so happy!”

“You know, the house feels different.” Donny touched the air. “The aura has changed.”

“I know. I’ve been working on it. It’s slow, but I’m not giving up.”

Her brother leaned forward and put his hands on his knees. “What do you mean?”

“Well, I have a new friend. Miri. I never had a friend like her before. Like, I can tell her anything, and she can tell me anything. You know? Anyway, she gave me this dare that had to do with Mommy, and ever since then, I’ve been making changes.”

“What kind of changes?”

“Like, I talk to Mommy about stuff, and she actually likes it. At first, she was a little freaked out about it, but now she’s regular, almost.”

“What does Tatty say about it?”

“He didn’t really say anything, but I can see he’s kind of surprised, in a happy way, when he comes home.”