last crossed her threshold, suddenly rather bashful with the recollection of not having run a comb through her hair yet. The boys stood in her entryway, waiting politely for instructions as to where else to go. This was a decision made from either the atmosphere of civility or out of stark necessity due to every surface being covered in various items. The plastic-covered couches supported stacks of papers and folders as though she lived the life of a busy downtown clerk from her living room. Bric-a-brac was situated upon every observable 昀氀at surface in various themes and sizes. Often Helen forgot how dark the drawn curtains made the space for someone who is welcomed in blinking, adjusting from the departure of the bright daylight. Helen moved in determined, slow steps around the couch and armchairs as she cleared space, disturbing clouds of dust that elicited gentle coughs from the guests. With purpose, the duo followed Helen’s lead and perched themselves atop the sticky protective vinyl. She excused herself before walking into the adjoining, equally-dim kitchen to gather her recently warmed kettle, teacups, and a plate of 昀椀nger sandwiches off the counter. Elijah scooted even closer to the edge as Helen approached with the refreshments. “Expecting company?” Helen found amusement in the question and her face beamed. “Always.” Isaiah plucked a miniature sandwich from the ceramic serving platter held under his nose and was taken aback by the lack of give the dried edges of the bread possessed. Isaiah looked to Elijah and found his counterpart blissfully chewing on a sandwich with another ready for dispatch in his hand. Isaiah set the delicate morsel on the teacup plate that balanced on his lap. Helen was beside herself. Her leaden 昀椀ngers picked at one another before smoothing the creases on her terrycloth covered arms in directionless expressions of enthusiastic energy. She was suddenly at a loss now that these gentleman callers sat soundly atop her furniture. Helen had always fancied herself an impeccable hostess PLAINS PARADOX ■ 46