The lump in her throat surprised her. “Thanks” Sheva said a little gruffly. “Guess I’ll go say goodbye to Mrs. Winter. Hope I didn’t disturb you. I wanted to come say goodbye and Mrs. Winter said this was the best time…”

“Not a problem at all” said Shiffy. She turned to help Danny out of the swing.

Sheva found Mrs. Winter in the kitchen. “Well I guess I’m leaving” she said a little awkwardly.

Mrs. Winter turned around. “Thank you Sheva. You’ve been wonderful with Danny.” She walked Sheva to the door. “He’ll miss you and so will we.”

“I’ll miss him too” Sheva said and it was true. There was something about working with Danny that had changed her perspective forever. “Oh!” She noticed the gift in Mrs. Winter’s hand. “You didn’t have to!”

Mrs. Winter laughed. “It’s just a small token of our appreciation” she said warmly. She watched Sheva open the box to reveal a beautiful watch. “I think it will be useful in seminary and beyond. Enjoy it.”

“Thank you.”

“Before you leave I was wondering…”

Sheva looked up.

“Do you have a friend you could recommend to take over your slot? We’ve been very happy with our high school girls” Mrs. Winter laughed and nodded from Sheva to Shiffy walking up to the door then “so I was wondering if there was someone you could recommend.”

Sheva thought for a moment. A germ of an idea began to coalesce in the back of her mind. Could it work?

It was a crazy idea…

But stranger things had happened this year.

She shook her head. “Not offhand” she said. “I can ask around. I’ll let you know if I come up with anything.”

“I’ll walk with you” Shiffy said to Sheva as Mrs. Winter closed the door behind them.

“Oh great” said Sheva. She was a little puzzled. “Isn’t it totally out of your way though?”

“Oh… no.” Shiffy seemed uncomfortable. “I need to um I need to pick up something from your house.”

“You need to pick up something from my house?” Sheva repeated mystified. “What—”

“Whatever let’s just go.”

They headed down the block. “Can we walk a little slower?” Shiffy asked.

Ooooh. Sheva got it; Shiffy wanted to talk. “Sure.” When Shiffy remained silent Sheva prompted “Something on your mind?”