If only

If only that tree were staked. Each lap around the courtyard evoked the same comment, sometimes with this demonstration. If only my mother, very queenly here with her roommate's faux pearls and a handbag, would stand out there and hold it.

Today we were back to "I want to go home." Tonight it was because she needed to go make dinner. I left her in the good company of kids, a baby, and Popcorn. Way livelier than home.