you upstairs? I can bring you a dinner tray.
I'm not an invalid.
Colleen snapped the words out, but her hand covered Suzanna's and squeezed.
I'm old, but I'm not feeble. I've wit enough to make some bequests. You.
She pressed the brooch into Suzanna's hand.
This is yours. I want
to see you wear it.
Aunt Colleen-
Put it on now. Put it on.
She brushed Suzanna away and picked up the book of poetry.
You spend half your time dreaming,
she said to Lilah.
Dream with this.
Thank you.
Lilah bent down, kissed her.
You'll have the watch,
she said to Amanda.
You're the one who's always
worrying about what time it is. And you, she continued, looking at C.C. and waving Amanda's thanks away,
take the jade. You like to set things around that gather dust.
Her eyebrow cocked at Jenny.
Waiting for your turn, are you?
Jenny smiled guilelessly.
No, ma'am.
You'll have this.
She offered Jenny the stone.
I was younger than you when I
gave this to my mother. I thought it was magic. Maybe it is.
It's pretty.
Delighted with her new treasure, Jenny rubbed it against her cheek.
I
can put it on my windowsill.
She'd have been pleased,
Colleen said softly.
She kept it on hers.
With a harsh
cough, she cleared her voice to briskness again.
You boys, take these, and don't
lose them. They were my brother's.
Neat,
Alex whispered, reverently holding a perfectly detailed soldier.
Thanks.
Thanks,
Kevin echoed.
It's just like a treasure box,
he said, grinning at her.
Aren't you going to give anything to Aunt Coco?
She'll have the photograph.
Aunt Colleen.