The sun quietly slanted west, painting half the sky with orange clouds.
As closing time approached, the crowds began to thin.
Renee Jennings and the others returned to the director's office.
Jude Sherman had someone come to take Bonnie and Layla away.
The two little ones had spent the entire afternoon with Renee Jennings and were extremely reluctant to part with her, clinging to her and refusing to go.
"Be good. I'll come see you again tomorrow," Renee Jennings coaxed with a smile.
Bonnie pouted. "Alright, then."
Layla urged, "You have to come."
Renee Jennings nodded. "I definitely will."
Having promised to meet the next day, the two little ones reluctantly followed Brother Gus out of the director's office, looking back every few steps.
Jude Sherman had already picked a place to eat—a farmhouse restaurant that specialized in local cuisine.
