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on the vanity. Ellen opened it and fingered her parents’ wedding bands, its only contents.  Images of her parents brought fresh tears to Ellen’s eyes.  She longed for a love like theirs.  Thankfully, they hadn’t been around to know what she’d done to Paul.  They’d be so disappointed and hurt.
    Ellen shut the jewelry case then turned back to the cardboard box.  She placed her grandmother’s Bible on the bedside table for easy reach.  On the built-in wall shelves, next to her books and small CD collection, she displayed her father’s military medals and the encased flag that had draped his coffin. The last item in the box was a colorful throw her grandmother had knitted for her their last Christmas together.  Ellen draped it over a chair next to the French doors.        
    “There,” Ellen exclaimed when she’d finished.  It looked like home to her.  She’d be able to sleep sounder, knowing her family’s belongings were with her.  Her first night had been rough.  She’d cried herself to sleep.  Her eyes were so puffy and red that morning, Dolly insisted she take the whole day off.  Ellen scoffed at that idea.  She liked being around Dolly.  Underneath Dolly’s occasional grumpiness was a buoyant, positive personality.  Ellen needed that kind of role model in her life.
    Ellen returned to Dolly’s room, and the two went through Dolly’s makeup until Ellen found natural hues to use.  While an amused Dolly supervised, Ellen fixed herself up with barely-there coats of eye shadow, mascara, blush, and lipstick. 
    “It’s just enough to enhance your own beauty.” Dolly critiqued the finished look.
    Ellen was shocked by her reflection.  Except for the age lines around her eyes, she looked exactly like she did when she was engaged to Paul.  It brought back stinging memories.
    “You don’t like it?”  Dolly questioned Ellen’s gloomy expression.
    Ellen managed a smile.  “It’s not that, Dolly.”
    “What then, dear? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
    “Maybe I have,” Ellen mumbled softly.  “I look like I did when I was in my early twenties.”
    “Does it bring back sad memories?”  Dolly asked, somberly.  “This was supposed to make you happy.”
    Ellen flashed Dolly a genuine smile.  “I am happy, Dolly.  I can’t get over how nice and generous you and Rand have been to me. I feel like I’m part of the family instead of an employee.”
    Dolly’s eyes gleamed with tears.  “You’re like the daughter I never had, Ellen. It makes me happy that you’re so patient with me and put up with all my fussing over you.  Those other girls were too prissy and highfalutin to take this kind of time with me. They’d just run through their chores then chase after Rand. I didn’t even bother getting close to them.”
    Ellen kissed Dolly on the cheek.  “And you remind me so much of my grandmother, Dolly.  She was a big influence in my life. You’ve made me feel so welcome here.  I’m glad we became fast friends.”
    “Me, too,” Dolly said.  “Let’s talk shopping shall we?”
    They made their plans then Ellen helped Dolly dress for dinner before returning to her room to change into the only nice dress she owned.  It was the basic-black sheath she’d bought for Paul’s service.  Unfortunately, she’d ruined her only pair of pumps so her ballerina-style flats would have to do.  The evening before, Ellen had felt out of place, wearing the clothes she’d arrived in. Rand and Dolly had both dressed for dinner.  Tonight, Ellen wanted to show she could be just as elegant.
    On the way out, Ellen checked herself in the mirror.  She fluffed her hair with her fingers and smiled at her appearance.  No one would ever recognize her as the dowdy suffering fiancée .  A tingle skittered up her spine as she anticipated Rand’s impression of her new look.  What would he think, she wondered, then promptly scolded herself.  It was dangerous to flirt with such