My old friend and I perused the aisles in the thrift store 

Eyeing serving platters and mismatched tea cups 

We reminisced about the days when our children were so little and fit into 2T buffalo plaid flannel shirts like the one hanging on the rack.

Now they buy their own clothing. 

It’s Christmas time, or nearly, and she’ll be hosting my kids for holiday brunch.

But I won’t be there. 

She reached down and picked up a curious thing–a padlock. She said do you need a lock? I replied, “No thank you. I need a key.”