The trip to Dublin was long enough to fuel Janice's dread of what she facing. Her last conversation with Evelyn echoed in her head. She slowed the car. Two deep breaths as she turned into Evelyn's driveway. She rang the bell the third time. Standing on tiptoe she tried to peer in the small window at the top of the door. Standing on tiptoe she tried to peer through the small window in the door.
As she returned to her car for her phone the door opened. Evelyn came out. Bra-less, in an oversized T shirt and baggy shorts Evelyn said. "I thought you were coming tomorrow." She brushed back her uncombed hair. "I was just straightening up."
Straightening up was needed. The house was a mess. Newspapers, magazines, cups, glasses covered the table, counter, and chairs. Janice could not restrain her gasp. "Evie, good God what is going on here?"
No answer. No answer was needed. The row of empty wine bottles told it all. Evelyn was silent.
"Evie." Evie burst into tears and fled.
Coming out of the bathroom with combed hair and dried tears she stood face to face with Janice. "I'm in a bad place."
Janice embraced her. "Well I'm here."
