Three

She caught a glimpse, a lightning flash,

Of warmest purple hue.

It left on Psyche's icy cheek

A blush of cobalt blue.

Andrea's life was about to change. Before the warmest days of summer were passed, she would feel it in the air, the same way she felt when a change in the weather was coming. Things would be different from then on.

It hadn't seemed possible on the sixth month anniversary of Jack's suicide. Andrea marked the occasion by crying most of the day.

Bonnie called her that evening. They hadn't talked for weeks.

"You sound terrible, Sis," Bonnie said. "Are you sick?"

"It's been a rough day. Make that a rough six months." Andrea said. "but I'll be okay. I'm a mother; I've got to be okay."

"Is Robin doing any better?"

"Not really. I've been thinking maybe she should see a counselor. She won't talk to me," Andrea said, "and I don't want her to get off on the wrong foot when school starts again."

"Maybe your minister could help."

"Maybe." Andrea hadn't been to church since the funeral.

"How is Brian?" Bonnie asked. "I'll never forget how brave he was when I took the kids to the funeral home."

"He's just sailing along with his life, having a good time with the dog this summer and excited about going into second grade. It's hard to believe. I always thought he was so sensitive, and you know how he worshipped his father." She sighed. "At least I don't have to worry about him."