path toward a promising career . You may find some challenges though … women writers aren ’ t taken seriously . Still , she ’ s always talking about you .” Nancy ’ s eyes widened . “ Oh — really ?” “ Yes ! And , I ’ d like to read one of your stories some time ,” he smiled . “ I … don ’ t think so . I mean , my work is rather morbid .” “ If you wrote it , I want to read it .” Nancy grinned and turned away . Mary interrupted with a cheery smile and a tray of sandwiches , lemonade , and cookies . “ Dig in , everyone !”
26
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For the first time since Nancy was a child , she enjoyed her family ’ s company despite the oppressive heat that lingered over the bay like a steamy haze . The lemonade provided a cool relief to their parched tongues for a fleeting moment . Toward mid-afternoon , overcast clouds obscured the sun , finally giving some relief to the sunburn on Nancy ’ s nose . She looked up to the sky , curious where the sudden change in weather had come from .
Her father watched her expression . “ It ’ s probably just passing through . I wouldn ’ t worry about it .”
On shore , swimmers began to collect their belongings and made plans to meet at a diner nearby . Boaters drove their vessels back toward the safety of the docks , fearing a storm was present in the air . Dolphins no