“No," Jane mused. "This is bad, but Halloween is the worst. Costumes," she said with a shudder. "And all that revolting candy that fires them up on sugar highs for a week. And then the thugs that come to the door to pillage and come back later to smash every pumpkin on the block. At least all our kids are old enough now to be past the costume stage.”

A woman sitting behind them and eavesdropping leaned forward and said, "You don't really know about hell unless you have a child with a birthday on Christmas.”

Jane and Shelley groaned in sympathy.

It was another hour before they escaped. "How did your husband get out of coming to this?" Jane asked as she joined the throng heading for the door.

“Oh, Paul's on a business trip."

“Wasn't he on a business trip the same week last year? And the year before?”

Shelley nodded. "Poor man doesn't think I notice how conveniently that works out for him. But he's afraid I might and he always brings home a really nice gift, just in case," she said. "Last year it was those diamond ear‑ rings," she said with a smile.

Finally it was over and they walked home, having determined that the closest parking places to the school were likely to be their own driveways anyway. It was a lush spring night. "As much pride as I take in being the most sedentary person in a four-state area, I'm glad you suggested walking," Jane said. "Only I feel like I should be running, just to get ahead on this week."

“That bad, huh?" Shelley leaned down and plucked a long blade of grass as they strolled along. She fitted it between her thumbs and blew on it fruitlessly. "I used to be able to make a killer noise that way," she said sadly.

Jane ignored this insight into her friend's history. "The last week of school is always hideous. Every team and club has a dinner or party, there are ghastly recitals and performances, these award things, and everything that's starting for the summer has a kickoff activity. It's the best argument I know for year-round school. And this year, of course, is Mike's graduation and the opening of the deli."