Grandma Eleanor sends a postcard from the countryside.
It's addressed to "Vivian and Lukman" in her shaky, elegant handwriting. The front shows a pastoral scene of rolling hills and grazing sheep. The back contains exactly three sentences.
The sheep here are adequate. My friend Margaret sends her regards, though she does not remember meeting you. Come visit when you are done being in love. Bring Lukman. I have more spoons to test him with.
I read it aloud to Lucas in the kitchen while he makes my morning coffee. His ears go pink at "Lukman" and stay that way through the entire reading.
"She wants to test me with more spoons," he says flatly.
"She wants to see you. That's how Eleanor shows affection."
"By asking me to find imaginary objects."
"By wanting you around. She doesn't invite just anyone to visit. Margaret has been her friend for forty years, and Eleanor still calls her by the wrong name half the time."
