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She fussed over the spread all morning
Patterned the blanket to match the doilies and cloth handkerchiefs
Polished the silver cheese tray and knives
She picked the perfect casserole dish
Fresh green beans from the garden
Ripe cherry tomatoes from the vine
Edna closed the wicker basket
And fastened the bows tight
She then focused on her children
Zipping and buzzing around the house – the girls in polka dot cotton summer dresses and loose curls. Charlie, her husband – debuting the polo shirt Edna starched and ironed earlier in the day
It was 6:30 pm
With the sun beginning to set, Edna corralled her family toward the door
One last glance over
Everyone and everything in place
The family sat about down the road waving to neighbors as they passed by
Mr. Roberts watering his lawn
Mrs. Thelma carrying a crumbled brown bag of groceries into her home
When they arrived, Charlie lay the plaid blanket across the stretch of grass
Edna was grateful
Having arrived early to secure the best view – she pulled out the casserole dish and salad plates
Lizzy, her daughter, pointed her finger toward the scatter of stars
“Look Mommy, they are starting,” she squealed
Edna turned toward the rustle of the trees
She watched the black body swinging
And smiled.
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