The Sunset Gang (21 page)

When she realized that they had not heard, she arranged the
walker before her and calculated the distance to the door. They would hear the
light thumping, but she hoped that they would not notice until she had opened
the door, an exercise that she knew she could perform. Pausing, she listened
again.

"It's the only logical solution," Leonard said.
"Otherwise we'll drive ourselves crazy with worry. We must make her see
that."

She moved cautiously, lifting the walker. She felt the
strength return to her arms as she slowly moved forward, but had to ignore the
twinge of pain in her hip.

When she opened the door, the light momentarily blinded her
and she squinted into the room where they were sitting.

"Mama!" Sandy cried. "My God, you'll
fall."

"Go on talking," Sophie said, taking a step,
feeling her energy surge, the power of her victory. "I'm just going to the
bathroom."