Once Susan Dudley and Isla Prescott finished cleaning the kitchen, Shane Sterling bid Susan farewell, saying he wouldn't impose any longer and it was time for him to head back.
"How could this be a bother? You should come for dinner again whenever you're free!"
"Okay. Thank you, ma'am. I'll be going now. You should get some rest."
"Isla, go see Sean out," Susan Dudley told Isla Prescott.
"Okay."
Isla Prescott walked Shane Sterling out of the lane.
Night had fallen. A lone streetlight at the mouth of the lane stretched their shadows out long.
"Sean, thank you for today," said Isla Prescott.
Shane Sterling chuckled. "I came to your house for a free meal, and you're thanking me for it?"
"You made my mom really happy. She hasn't been this happy in a very long time."
"Don't say that. I wasn't trying to flatter her. I meant every word I said."
Isla Prescott smiled. "In any case, thank you again for today."
