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Anne wanted to do at that moment was sit on the bumper and have a good cry, but she refused to give up so easily.
    Taking the jack and lug wrench out of the trunk, Anne set them beside the busted tire. Now what? How was it that Rick used this thingy to hoist up the car? Anne grunted as she struggled with no success to budge the fastened nuts, and after a few minutes finally took a rest. Anne wished she’d paid more attention back then. Instead, she’d spent most of the time admiring Rick’s muscular frame, and who could blame her? He had looked so manly as he made the repair. Trying once again, Anne made a few more half-hearted attempts before signaling her surrender by throwing the ‘useless’ tools back into the car, exchanging them for her luggage. Taking another deep breath, Anne started her trek down the road.
    Twenty minutes later, Anne was sweating like a pig. She struggled with the bags, and her shoulders and arms were aching from their weight. It seemed as if she’d walked nearly fifty miles in the searing sun, but realistically it was probably closer to two. At finally spotting civilization ahead, a flood of relief overcame her. Anne recognized Uppercross Street and mustered her remaining willpower to continue, knowing she was almost there. Normally Anne enjoyed the fact that Marylived on an incline, as it offered a beautiful view. But being hot, tired, and carrying difficult luggage, she now wished for flatter terrain. The sight of her sister’s estate had never been so inviting as it was now with its promise of a refreshing shower, shade, and a glass of ice cold water.
    Mary’s place was big, with lots of strategically placed windows to catch the ever-constant sun. Her sister had decorated the entire house with a patriotic theme. The home was charming. Adding to its appeal was the wrap-around porch and a small wooden swing. It also boasted a volleyball and basketball court in the backyard, which sadly was hardly used.
    When she reached the front door to ring the bell, Anne let the luggage fall in a heap at her ankles.
    “Anne!” Mary scolded with irritation upon answering the door. “What took you so long?” Mary looked beyond Anne to the empty driveway. “Where’s your car?” Anne pretended to ignore her sister’s upset manner and entered the house. As she did so, Mary got a whiff of her sibling and flinched, waving a hand to deflect the sweat-drenched odor Anne was emitting. “Oh, my goodness, you smell terrible!”
    Anne blushed. “Believe me, if I had known that I’d end up walking several miles in this heat, I would have put on extra deodorant.”
    Mary grimaced, “You do realize that the kids have been pestering me like crazy wondering when you’d arrive?!”
    “Sorry,” Anne explained, “It wasn’t intentional. I got a flat tire.”
    Unimpressed, Mary answered, “Well, the timing couldn’t have been worse! Here I am, not feeling at all well and then this happens! Why couldn’t you have left earlier? Instead of me being able to rest in bed, I’ve been up with the children all this time. I am always so tired, I only wish people could be more considerate! The doctors don’t even know what’s wrong with me!”
    Before Mary could go on with her complaints, Nicholas and Little Charlie ran to bombard their favorite aunt withhugs. This welcome pleased Anne as she looked tenderly into their beaming faces.
    The boys were a year and a half apart. Nicholas was the eldest with sandy blonde hair and cute dimples just like his father. Anne was certain that he’d be quite the heartbreaker when he grew up. Little Charlie was already taller than his older brother. He favored Mary’s looks and had dark brown hair like his mother, even though currently Mary’s tresses were bleached a fashionable blonde. Little Charlie had a smile that could melt even the coldest heart.
    “Aunt Anne! Will you play with us?” their voices rang out in unison.
    Anne lowered herself to her knees. “Of course!