Page 1 of Winter’s End

Fairfield, New Jersey

It was one of her better mornings. Her legs felt steady, and her hip complained only a little as she rose. She was bathed and dressed and making tea when she heard Anneke’s key in the door. It was just past seven.

“Oma?” The voice was full-throated, full of cheer. “Good morning!”

“ Goedemorgen , my little one! A splendid day!”

“Yes, I can see that. You’re up and moving all on your own!”

She smiled, setting the teapot on the stove. “Why do you talk as though I am an old woman? I am not yet ninety. Breakfast?”

Anneke laughed, taking her grandmother’s hands. “There are roses in your cheeks, Oma. You’re excited!”

She had four great-granddaughters, all accomplished, all beautiful – but looking at Anneke was like looking in the mirror into a faraway past – turquoise eyes in a round face, blonde hair, fine as silk, tucked behind her ears.

“On such a day, why wouldn’t I be excited?”

Anneke grinned, releasing her Oma’s hands, a quick glance at her watch. “I can squeeze in some tea and toast,” she said, dropping into a chair by the kitchen window, drawing the curtains wide. “I have a history class at eight – and a quiz.”

The old woman nodded, pouring tea, putting wheat bread into the toaster. “You’ll be finished by two, yes?”

Anneke fetched lingonberry jam from the fridge. “Oma, I promise you, pinky fingers, cross my heart and hope to die, I will be at the airport by two.”

“Don’t say hope to die.”

“Sorry.”

“Flight 458.”

“Arrives at 2:55. I know.”

She passed her granddaughter a plate of toast. “I made speculaas cookies yesterday,” she said. “Would you like some?”

“Does a frog jump?” Anneke sipped tea. “No wonder the house smells like cinnamon. Who could say no to your speculaas ?”

The old woman smiled, turning.

“Sit, Oma. Eat your toast. I’ll get the cookies before I go.”

She sat, lightly, and wondered how she would endure the hours until Anneke returned from the airport.

But then, she had been well-schooled in waiting, skilled at keeping the angst from her smile no matter the wait or the circumstance.

Morning sun splayed across the table, Anneke’s profile etched like a sculpture against the blue New Jersey sky…