It wasn’t warm out, but it wasn’t bitter cold either, and the breeze that blew carried with it the smell of spring. It was like Mother Nature’s way of trying to tell me to be more optimistic. But my dark and troubling suspicion haunted my thoughts. I knew it would take more than the sight of a robin and the promise that in a month or so I could go outside without a jacket to lift my spirits. I heard a car roll up beside me and turned around to see Jenelle. She rolled down the passenger window. “Want a ride?” she asked. “I thought you weren’t speaking to me,” I said. “Bunting, just get in the car.” I did as she commanded. It was just her in the car. “Where’s Shawna?” I asked. “Home sick. She says it’s strep, but I think it’s far more serious.” I thought she was taking her candy-striper duties a bit too seriously.
