Having no idea what they would decide to do, she tied the laces of her ice skates together and set them aside. It had been so long since she had skated, she hoped she didn't make a fool of herself and fall flat on her face.

Then she slipped into a heavy sweater and threw her winter coat over her arm, slid her skates over her shoulder, and headed back downstairs.

"Mom, just leave the dishes," she said, walking past. "I'll wash them up when I get back."

“Nonsense!” her mother said. “You made breakfast and cleaned. The least I can do is the dishes! Have fun, dear!”

“Be safe...