Jill allowed herself to be ushered into Moxie’s kitchen, where her mother stood at the sink washing dishes. Without bothering to turn around, she said, “You brought friends home for dinner.”

“Yes, Mama.” Moxie replied. “What’s for dinner?”

“Spaghetti and Meatballs. Now go and wash up, and then come back to help me set the table.
“What? Why?”  Moxie whined. “I never had to set the table before.”

“Well, since you came in here sooner than usual, it wouldn’t hurt you to set the table. It will start teaching you more experience that will help you later in life. Who is your friend.?”

Taking this as her que to introduce herself. Jill stepped forward and offered her hand, “It’s a pleasure to meet you Ma’am.”

“Oh dear, what has my daughter done now?” Moxie’s mother asked with a sigh, as she placed one dish in the strainer and picked up another. “I hope she hasn’t been making herself a nuisance.”

“Oh no Ma’am,” Jill replied. “In fact, I asked your daughter to take me to see you.”

“So, then your business is with me? How interesting. How may I help you?”

“You may want to sit down for this,” Jill replied.

“I’m fine where I am,” Moxie’s mother replied. “A single mother doesn’t have much time to do anything.”

“I understand that perfectly Ma’am,” Jill replied. “My mother, also raised me on her own. I do however, suggest that you sit down for what I’m about to tell you, because it’s going to seem more fiction than fact. But I assure you that it is the truth.”

“Okay, have it your way,” Moxie’s mother laughed, as she attempted to cover up the vague contortion her face underwent before taking a sold shape. “Give me a moment and I will be right there.