Capítulo 55: Chapter 55

With the girls' help, Dr. Tanner and Verna took over Mrs. Nelson's care. The day before the funeral, Verna sorted through Mrs. Nelson's modest closet, washing and ironing the only black dress in her wardrobe. The simple silk dress with cap sleeves and a jacket hung on her bedpost like a shadow. Verna set Mrs. Nelson's hair, tethering the curlers with a net bonnet knotted in the middle of her forehead. Before she left for the evening, she called Zoey into the Nelsons' kitchen. "Is Ellen resting?" she asked as Zoey popped her head in the doorway.

"She's drifting in and out of sleep, but I think she'll settle in for the night soon," Zoey answered. "Why don't you go home. It's been a hectic few days. I'll call you if anything comes up." Verna looked hesitant, but Zoey could see she was tempted.

"She'll be fine, I promise," Zoey urged her.