I stared out my open window on the short drive to the only pie diner near our town. Mara loved to drag me out here when she got one of her cravings.

It was really cute, in an old kind of way. The staff was really nice, and knew almost everyone in town by name and face.

“Oh! Mara! Vicki!” The little old lady at the counter greeted us. “It has been so long, dearies!”

“Hi, Mrs. Miller.” Mara and I said in unison as we contnued to a table. I could already feel my spirit lifting, there was just something about this place.

“What can I getcha?” Penny, Mrs. Miller’s daughter, asked us.

“Two slices of cherry pie, and two cokes please.” Mara ordered.

I was still slightly out of it and was glad to let Mara take charge for a while. Our cokes arrived soon, and I nursed mine while Mara talked. I wasn’t even sure what she was saying, I was just glad for the noise and was sure she knew that.

“Here y’all are.” Penny said, smiling at us as she gave us our pie.