Lorraine bit into another buttery popover, the honey-lemon glaze making her swoon. Heavenly—worth the two-hour service. The daughter drew close; panic constricted Lorraine’s throat. She prepared to spin her lie of friendship with the deceased, then the daughter turned away.

Lorraine could already taste the chicken and mashed potatoes.

Amanda A. Gibson’s writing has appeared in journals such as The Common, Five Minutes, Orca, and JMWW. She’s working on her second novel. Amanda spends as much time as possible outdoors.