When I arrived at the Ryder house, Nona's friend Helen was already in the drive, engine revving, and Nona was waiting at the door. “It was good of you to come,” she said, “it being the holiday and all.” “I was glad to,” I said, and handed her the box of candies I had settled on after all. “Happy Easter.” “Oh now,” Nona said. “You shouldn't have bothered.” “It wasn't a bother.” “I hated to ask you to come on the holiday, but I haven't missed an Easter service in thirty years.” I couldn't imagine this. I hadn't attended church since I left home for college. “I should be back by twelve thirty,” Nona said, “but the service often runs late on Easter and Christmas.” “No problem. I can stay as long as you want.” “Do I look all right? This is the only decent thing I brought with me.” Nona wore a dress, her concession to the holiday. Her legs were bony, the shins knotted with varicose veins. “You look beautiful,” I said. She sighed. “It's so hard to go through the motions of ordinary living,”
