Page 59 of Wish You Faith

“Is mahjong a board game?”

“I don’t know, sweetie. I’ll find out tomorrow.”

Rosie couldn’t help smiling. Mom kept busy. Tuesday and Thursday afternoons were like day care for her at SSLR. It was also a good thing for Mom to interact with other people her age and keep her mind active with games and memory exercises that they provided at SSLR.

The new scholarship meant that she could drop Mom off at seven o’clock in the morning and pick her up at seven o’clock at night, all expenses paid. An adult day care, pretty much.

“We’ll bring some cookies for Roger and Priyanka,” Mom said.

“Make sure to leave some for me, Mom.” She laughed.

“Of course, sweetie. You’re my baby.”

Rosie loved to hear Mom’s voice, whether in person or over the phone. She made a note to herself to record as much of it as possible so that long after Mom had passed away, Rosie could listen to it and play it back for her future children.

Future children?

First, she had to get married.

She texted Evan to tell him the good news. It was mid afternoon in Savannah, but around lunch time in Seattle.

Rosie

Can you believe it? A full scholarship. Is that a miracle from God or what!

Evan

Sounds like a miracle, for sure.

Rosie

We’ll have to write a thank-you note. I’m still stunned.

Rosie wasn’t sure whether she should be surprised that Evan didn’t ask her about the name of the scholarship or any details related to it. Instead he jumped to the next question.

Evan

When do you move?

Rosie

We can’t. There’s no apartment available. We’ll use the activity part of the scholarship now and worry about the housing part later.

Evan

You mean she can now participate in all of SSLR activities all week long?

Rosie

Yes. Not just two afternoons a week.

Evan

That’s progress.

Rosie

I have to run now. Got to ask Lorenzo to fill in for me tomorrow morning so that I can take Mom to see Roger about the scholarship.

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