Immediately, she set her pen aside and asked, “Everything all right?” Lucy mutely toyed with the idea of sitting for a while, but she felt too vulnerable and merely shook her head as Mamm held out her hand to gently pull her close and kiss her cheek. “I don’t know what got into me,” Lucy whispered, struggling against more tears. “I’m afraid I hurt Tobe’s feelings.” “You quarreled?” “It wasn’t like that.” Mamm considered this. “Want to talk about it?” Lucy covered her face with one hand. “I’m just too tired right now—I know you understand.” She paused. “I’ll see you in the mornin’, bright and early. . . . I’ll be goin’ over to help Martie with her washing, as usual.” Mamm’s expression remained concerned. “You sure you’re okay?” Lucy ignored the question.
