They reached Parker's Deli, and, indeed, there were people inside, although nowhere near as many as usual.

     "Did anybody bring any money?" Alison asked. "We could buy something. At least, that way, we'll be able to talk to the clerk."

     "Recognize anybody?" Abby asked.

     "Not yet," Cathy replied. "There's some people towards the back I haven't checked out yet, though."

     Alison pulled her wallet out of her purse. "I haven't got any cash money. My debit card should work."

     "Look!" Cathy yipped. "Look at who's coming down aisle four! It's Carmen Cready!"

     And so it was. Alison and Carmen had been friends since grade school. They were almost family.

​     "Carmen!"

     A smile appeared on Carmen's face and froze there. "Alison! How wonderful to see you again!"

     Usually, in a situation like that, between the two of them, the next thing to come would be a hug.

     Not this time, though.

     No, this time Carmen just stood there and continued to stare and nod.

     Is she high? Alison thought. I'm looking into her eyes, and I'm not seeing a damned thing. Carmen never used to use drugs, but...

​     "How long's it been?" Alison asked. "Julia's wedding night?"

     "Yes, that's right. Julia's wedding night. Listen, I gotta' go. Great to see you again, Alison."

     "Are you done shopping? I'll stand in line with you. We can visit."

     "No no, I..." Carmen looked down at the basket she held like that was the first time she'd ever seen it. "I think I'm done."

     "We need to catch up. How's your mom, Carmen?" 

     "Mom's ​fine," Carmen all but shouted. She put the basket she held down. She walked slowly yet purposefully for the exit. "It's good to see you again, Alison!"

     And out she went.  

     "Carmen!" Alison called out after her. "What in the..."

     And then all three of them, Abby, Alison and Cathy, as one, felt a chill.

     There were, perhaps, a dozen other people in the deli right then.

     As Carmen left, they all stopped what they were doing.

     They stopped talking. They stopped shopping.

     The clerks behind each of the counters stopped ringing sales. 

     Everyone stopped to stare at them, at Abby, Cathy and Alison.

     For twenty, thirty seconds, they stared. Then, 

     "We should probably just go, huh?" Cathy asked.

     Neither her mother nor her sister responded.

     Instead, the three of them, as one, left the store. 

CONTINUE