The Next Installment...

It wasn't until her mobile began bleating that she opened her eyes. The voice in her left ear, softly saying,"I'm calling regarding Nina Pankow"...

Jolted by the mention of her goddaughter, she struggled to make sense of the caller's messege...A lawyer advising that Carol and Bernie, friends since university days, had disappeared...the Coast Guard was looking for signs of their small plane...She needed to pick up eight-year-old Nina from school...

Her mind filled with images of the party she and Carol had planned for Nina's birthday the month before, their back garden full of kids waiting to eat a three-tiered chocolate castle Bernie had constructed.

She began dialing, hoping the housekeeper would answer. Just as the voicemail clicked on, the phone went dead...

Chag sameach

Meaning "Joyous Festival" or "Happy Holiday," this Hebrew greeting is appropriate this week as Passover begins and with it, the beginning of the harvest season. Commemorating the Exodus from Egypt, Passover is also a time for reflection and celebration. With this in mind, I'll be away from the computer and wish all of you a happy celebration whether it is Easter or Passover.