Her first stop was the Millers. When Sarah Miller opened the door, her face cycled through three distinct stages: confusion, recognition, and then a mild, trapped panic. "Clara! What a... surprise," Sarah stammered.
A week later, Clara heard a knock at her own door. It was the Millers, the Baxters, and the Durants, carrying mismatched chairs and a variety of casseroles. Have You Over
She didn't wait for the next casual encounter. Instead, she baked three dozen lemon-thyme shortbread cookies, tucked them into vintage tins, and set out. Her first stop was the Millers
"You mentioned wanting to have me over," Clara said with a serene smile, handing over a tin. "I thought I'd save you the trouble of the invitation. May I come in?" and then a mild