The usual Saturday morning breakfast consisted of an English muffin toasted until crunchy covered with peanut butter and orange marmalade, fresh strawberries, and plain yogurt with a hint of honey. Nancy made sure the decaf black tea was strong with two sugars brimming in a porcelain tea cup painted with four leaf clovers. It was her sister, Grace's, favorite china pattern. After the tray was loaded, Nancy walked slowly into Grace's bedroom.
"Good morning, Precious."
"Nancy. You are the sweetest."
"Would you like to go to the park today to get that creaky body of yours out and about? "
"That would be wonderful. My old bones could use a bit of sunshine."
As Grace ate her breakfast, she and Nancy chatted about the day before them. Nancy smiled as she looked into Gracie's eyes; they twinkled with delight as they spoke. A twinkling eye can mean many things. The one that was twinkling at her right now was full of life, and the sole reason Nancy took care of her sister.
Nancy cleaned up from breakfast and poked her head in at Grace.
“Need more tea?”
"Excuse me, ma'am. Do you know when my mom is coming to get me? I am going to be late for cheer leading practice."
"Soon," as Nancy fluffed her sister's pillow, Nancy looked into Grace's eyes; the twinkle was gone. Only a blank confusing stare looked back.
