Chapter 54: Chapter 54

The next day was quiet. Thanks to Dr. Tanner's medications, Mrs. Nelson slept most of the morning, leaving the girls free to prepare for the crowd of women that would soon descend on the house. As long-time members of local church and women's groups across the county, the women in town were well acquainted with matters of infirmity and death. Armed with three-bean salads and tuna casseroles, they'd stationed themselves in shifts throughout the house over the next few days, providing support and condolences to anyone in need. In a small community such as Leamington, no one was allowed to mourn alone.

Dr. Tanner attempted to contact the Nelsons' family in the United States, but none of the numbers listed in an old telephone address book on Mr. Nelson's desk worked. When she woke from her nap, he asked Mrs. Nelson if there was an updated list, but groggy from the sedatives, she was little help. "I'm sorry," was all she managed, her eyes filling with tears.