Catherine Wheels
by E.L. Mellor Jane arrived at the old rectory after the first chill of autumn had gilded the maple trees in its front yard. Under one of them sat her niece, staring at nothing. “Mark, what’s Catherine doing?” Her brother closed the car door and turned. “Catherine! Where are your manners? Come here and greet your aunt!” he said, in a voice not as stern as his words. Jane thought of their brother Paul, but even if Mark hadn’t told her anything in the years she’d been gone, no doubt he’d have mentioned it on the ride from the airport, as he’d warned her of his younger daughter’s shyness. Catherine’s eyes focused on her father. “Sorry, Dad!” she called, then jumped up and ran across the lawn like any other nine-year-old. “Hello, Aunt Jane. Did you have a good trip? How long does it take to fly here from Nairobi?” She held out her hand, which felt warm in Jane’s chilly one as she kissed her niece. “Hello, Catherine. It’s good to see you again. I guess I’m supposed to act surprised at ...
