My unemployment check was late and the kids were all in terrible moods. Matthew still sulked from our earlier argument. I searched for a place to park, ending up in the back of the church lot. A puddle sat under my left foot when I opened the car door. "Great," I muttered. "Anthony, be careful where you step." "Oops, too late." He placed his foot in the murky water. "Oh well, I'll just take my shoes off when I get inside." "You boys behave while you're in class or you'll be grounded from TV the rest of the day. Which will mean no football. Have I made myself clear?" I pointed a finger at the two of them. "Yes, ma'am." Both boys' voices blended in response. Several people with umbrellas rushed into the white building. I bolted around the large columns at the front of the church to the vast porch. Brother William Butler greeted me at the top. He stood almost seven feet tall, an imposing figure towering over me. "How are you holding up, Ms.
