She’d gotten a call from Jessie saying she’d be a little late getting back from town. Could Maxine stay and watch Abby for just a little longer? She’d pay her overtime. Maxine had told her not to worry about that. She was glad to stay. It was a lovely autumn day to sit on the porch. There wouldn’t be many more days like this with winter waiting just around the corner. The sun was high and warm and felt good on Maxine’s face. After she and Abby had finished their lessons, Maxine had told the little girl she could play in the backyard until her mother got home. The tutor settled into the wicker rocking chair and enjoyed an unexpected bit of relaxation in the middle of the day. Watching Abby swing up and down, her little feet pointing out in front of her, her blond pigtails flying in the wind, almost lulled Maxine to sleep. But then suddenly Abby shouted out in excitement. “My friend! My friend!” The little girl jumped off the swing, her face lit up with joy. Through the tall yellow grass a small boy came walking.
