Ripples Read online

partially closing it so the older woman couldn’t hear.

  “Natalie,” she began, desperation in her voice, “Please honey come home with me. You don’t need to live here on your own this way it isn’t healthy for you.”

  She released the door and placed her hand upon Natalie’s face, “Please.”

  “Dori, I’m not alone.” She pulled on the door, motioning with her head for Dori to leave. Dori held Natalie’s gaze a moment longer then stepped outside to join Barbara on the stoop. Before she could even turn to say goodbye, Natalie had shut the door.

  Dori heard the hasp as it was drawn, she looked down at the potted plant to the right of the door and considered searching for the spare key she knew was hidden there but decided against it. Natalie didn’t want her involvement. Dori began to cry softly, and might have stayed in that position if not for Barbara taking her by the arm and pulling her down the stairs.