THE WOMEN

Sunday, November 10, dawned with the most brilliant sunrise we had ever seen on Azalea Court. Sprawled on beds and sofas in Number Four, we had slept fitfully, exhausted and overstimulated from the weekend’s exertions. We woke from time to time, checked on each other, then fell back asleep. Finally, Evelyn roused us all. Jess made coffee and scrambled eggs. Over breakfast we finalized our plans for the Memorial Garden event.

We argued about what to say at the podium. Evelyn wanted Asher Blum publicly accused and humiliated, then arrested for his crimes against Harriet, against Iris, and against herself. She wept as she told us again about the time she was assaulted in the Coach House and how Asher Blum protected the rapist. Gandalf hugged her, awkwardly but with heart, and suggested the two of them think about getting some help dealing with the traumas that haunted them.

At the very least he should lose his license, Evelyn argued, and we all agreed, although it would be largely symbolic at this stage. Not entirely symbolic, Jess argued. He would never be able to prescribe meds to keep a woman quiet again. We sat silently for a few moments, thinking about that.

Then Iris told us that when she returned to Azalea Court after the memorial program, Gloria would come to live with her, at least until she got back on her feet.

Evelyn turned to Gloria, patted her knee, and offered her a job with her home care business. They would get Gloria’s nursing license reinstated, and together they’d build up the agency. We all nodded. This was right.

Iris stroked the cat’s silky fur. “Canary is coming home with us too.”

“But Dad hates cats,” Lexi said.

“Yes, he does,” Iris said.

“But he won’t be living with us.”

“What do you mean, Mom?” Lexi asked.

“Asher will have to find someplace else to live. Not with me. Not here.”

“I don’t understand. What will he do?” Lexi asked.

“He’ll have to figure that out. How could I live with him, after this?”

We all nodded again. This was right, too. At least some small level of justice might be served.