That was unusual.

Ed only came in at 6:15 in the morning.

But there he was.

Still wearing his barn coat and John Deere cap.

Madison approached with a coffee pot.

Ed placed his hand over his cup.

“Where’s Bev?”

Madison pointed toward the kitchen.

Ed turned.

He looked at me standing in the doorway.

At my soaked apron.

My swollen hands.

My tired face.

He didn’t speak.

He just watched me for a long time.

Then he carefully stacked his coins on the counter, stood, and left.

I didn’t think much about it.

I went home, soaked my hands in warm water, ate a little soup, and went to bed early.

I certainly didn’t call anyone.

I had no idea what Ed was planning.

The following morning, I arrived at 5:15.

I was back washing dishes before sunrise.

Madison came in looking nervous.

“Bev, I barely slept. Everyone kept complaining yesterday.”