Chapter 21: The Thumbs-Up

Thurston's grandmother walked to the front of the hall with her purse in both hands.

She was about as tall as the microphone stand.

She did not touch the microphone.

I watched her from the side wall, and I could not guess what she would say.

"I'm eighty-four," she said. "I flew across four states for a wedding."

She sniffed.

"At the door I was told the bride was ill. At the rehearsal dinner I was told it was a game."

She looked at Mara.

"I've listened to everyone tonight. Now it's my turn.

"I'll keep it to one sentence, as the rules say."

"Please," Mara said, with the shadow of her bright smile.

"Young lady, what was done to you at twelve was a crime.

"What you did to Willa was another one, and you will carry both for the rest of your life."

She waited a beat.

"And you may put the first one down whenever you like. Nobody can make you put down the second."

The hall was silent.

Mara's smile went away.

She stood there with her hands open at her sides.

"That's my sentence," the old woman said.

She turned.

"Thurston."

"Gran."

"Now you."

She went back to the second row and sat, and set her purse on her lap.

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