Free Shadows on the Lane by Virginia Rose Richter Page B

Behind the kitchen were two small bedrooms carpeted in soft green with white iron beds and large windows facing the backyard.
    The studio was across the hall. It was a big room for this little house. There was the piano and there were the shelves of sheet music and books. Best of all, a big picture window—like the one on the farm—looked out onto rolling countryside and blue sky that went on forever.
    “I could hardly believe it when the realtor called me and said he had some people who wanted to buy the farm and turn it into a bed and breakfast,” said the teacher.
    “I heard,” said Jessie. “I was so happy. And here you are in your pretty house and only a block from downtown.”
    “Yes, I love it!”
    “How is your daughter?” asked Jessie.
    “Well, Rita is in a group home near Omaha where she is getting better. Someday she will be able to visit me. But when I talk to her on the phone, she seems happier than she has been in years. I think she’s relieved to be there.” Mrs. Livingston sat on a blue velvet chair by the window. “She was drinking that day—the day she hit Sunny. She didn’t do it on purpose. She lost control and knocked her down. It was a terrible thing.” Tears filled her eyes. “I had my suspicions but I really didn’t know until that day you and Sunny played the duet.”
    Jessie put her arms around her teacher. “Well now we’re practically neighbors. We’ll help you out, until Rita comes home.”
    THE END