The other two girls—by my guess they were all about sixteen or so—came into the living room from the kitchen and chimed in, “Yes, we want to see Layla!”

“Well, I think she’s asleep right now with her mother.”

Looking undaunted, Sue Ann replied, “Oh, that’s okay, Mr. Jim. We got all day. And besides, Mama Vermillion sent us and asked us to take care of y’all. We brought over some food so we’ll just makes you some lunch.”

And as quick as that, they became a whirlwind of activity in the kitchen. I could hear pots and pans moving around and something in me realized that whatever was happening, it was just beginning and it was very good.