“ Say , the weather is supposed to be nice today . Why don ’ t we take the boat out ? Maybe we just all need some fresh air .”
Mary ’ s palms sweat as she made up the breakfast plates . “ Do you really think that ’ s a good idea in these circumstances ?”
“ Nonsense . It was a simple coincidence ; nothing more . Tell Nancy to come down for breakfast , honey .”
A few moments later , Nancy stretched as she entered the kitchen , gave her father a kiss on the cheek , and took a seat at the table . Mary smiled approvingly at her attire : a modest black skirt and yellow cardigan sweater . Her hair was pulled neatly back in a high ponytail .
“ So , Nancy ,” her father began , “ I was just telling your mother we should go out for some fresh air today . Would you like to come ?”
* * *
After a hearty family breakfast , Nancy helped her mother clean the dishes , and prepare a light lunch of sandwiches , lemonade , and chocolate chip cookies . She noticed her mother ’ s hands shook , and her lips were tightly pursed in a grimace . “ Is everything okay ?”
She sighed . “ It ’ s just this dream is really bothering me . I — I didn ’ t tell you before but , I had the same one .”
Nancy paused . “ I wouldn ’ t worry about it too much . Dreams are just thoughts , after all . They can ’ t hurt you .” As the words left Nancy ’ s lips , she couldn ’ t deny
22