table； its elegant place
settings and fine food for otten。 This had bee a pattern； this family
gathering turned wake； but it had to be broken。 Anne had to start to
live again。 The trip to Vermont was a first step。
As the full blaze in the fireplace settled to a more sedate crackle； the
patter of raindrops broke through Anne's reverie。 Stretching her legs；
she stood； smoothed out her jeans； and padded barefoot to the front
window。 The darkness was dense。 Staring out through rain…spattered
panes； she was grateful that she had shut the car windows and locked the
door。 The idea of going outside to do it now didn't appeal to her。 As
she stood； hands by her sides； eyes straight ahead； she could see
nothing but the black of night and her own grim reflection。
She didn't need friends to tell her that she looked gaunt and spectral。
Her cheeks were pale； hollowed by a weight loss that had cut into gentle
curves all over her body。 Her mouth was more often drawn thin and
straight now； rather than curved in a smile。 Dark eyes that had once
danced with happiness； now spoke of loneliness； and her hair didn't
swing。 It fit her mood； which was restrained。 Even now she had it tied
back with a thin strip of black velvet whose ends were lost in the
ribbing of her black turtleneck sweater。
This； too…this ghostly appearance…would have to change if she planned