“No. Prayer is just a conversation with God. Talk to Him like you would to me.”
Sally turned to look out at the harbor, now a dusky mass beyond the dark shapes of the buildings. A light flicked on here and there as the two stood in silence. Then, letting out a long breath, Sally turned to Katherine.
“It’s done. I feel… different, like everything’s gone quiet inside.”
“Rest for your soul.” Katherine said quietly, her vision blurring with tears of joy.
“And…forgiveness.” Sally’s eyes were soft and wide with wonder.
12 The Rest of the Story
A different Sally descended the stairs into downtown Harborside that day. Katherine noticed it as they stood at the corner, waiting to cross the street. There was a calm about her Katherine had never seen before.
It wasn’t just in her eyes and expression, either. The stillness of Sally’s hands and feet as she stood, the slight lift to her chin, and the shoulders squared as she stood just a little taller. A wave of joy bubbled up inside Katherine as she realized her friend wasn’t hiding anymore.
They walked through the familiar downtown blocks, and as before, Sally didn’t seem to even see them, but this time, it was eagerness, not preoccupation that Katherine sensed in her friend. They spoke little, until they neared the last block.
“D’you suppose she’s there?”
Katherine shrugged. “I don’t know. She never comes in Sundays. It’s her one true day off.” She gave her friend an encouraging smile. “But you never know. She has a habit of showing up right when we need her.”
Sally’s steps quickened as they neared the shop. The sun had set while they walked, but through the dusk, light spilled onto the sidewalk from the tea shop’s windows. Suddenly, Sally froze, her brows crumpled into a worried frown.
“What’s wrong?” Katherine asked, turning to peer at her friend through the dim light.
“Oh, Katherine… whatever do I say?”
“Whatever’s in your heart to say,” Katherine chuckled. “If you’re at all like me, one look at her and the words will just come tumbling out all over each other.”
Sally grinned. “She does that to you too, huh?” They laughed together, and then Sally stepped quickly to the door.
Katherine unlocked the door.
“Is that you, Dearies?” Mrs. James’ voice called out from the kitchen.
Katherine and Sally exchanged a grin, then Sally quickly crossed to the kitchen doorway. She hesitated just outside.
“Oh, Auntie!”
Katherine saw Sally run the last few steps into the kitchen, and the soft muffled sobs and soothing tones which followed told Katherine that her friend was safely in the arms of her aunt.
* * * *
“Hello the shop!” Katherine called out with a laugh as the bell jingled merrily overhead and a gust of wind and rain followed them into the Harborside.
“Why, Katherine! I didn’t expect you today.” Captain Braddock stepped in from the office, Tommy following close behind him.
“I wanted to make sure I didn’t miss the end of that story you promised to finish. And I’ve brought Sally with me.” Katherine threw a casual arm around her friend’s shoulders. “Are we in time?”
“Of course.” Captain Braddock winked. “You didn’t think I’d forget my promise to wait till you both were here, now did you?”
“Certainly not.” Katherine said with a teasing grin. “I just didn’t want you to be tempted.”
“Well then,” Captain Braddock eased himself into the chair by the woodstove and reached for the poker. “Have a seat, if you ladies don’t mind the floor. Better yet, Tommy, bring in my desk chair for our new friend, Miss Sally.”
Sally plopped down on the floor, curling her legs and tucking the hem of her skirt under her. “I’m fine here.”
Katherine sat beside her. “Me too.”
“All we’re missing is a cup of tea.” Captain Braddock said with a wistful look toward the kitchen.
“I’ll put the kettle on,” said Tommy, halfway to the small hidden kitchen.
“Whoa, there, mister.” Captain Braddock called out, his voice stern. “No mannin’ the kitchen without a grownup.”
“Can I help him?” asked Sally, scrambling to her feet.
Captain Braddock gave Katherine a questioning glance, and Katherine smiled and nodded.
“Thank you, Sally. Tommy knows where everything is, but don’t let him climb on anything.”
