Pine Street

Pine Street is the primary setting for the short story. One Mother's Day afternoon, Pammy Carlson takes her mother Alma for lunch. Afterwards they walk the distance home, slowly moving up Pine and observing the houses, shops, and flowers. Throughout the walk, Alma is uncomfortable and irritable. In her old age, she is neither used to being out of the house nor on her feet for so long. Everything she sees, and everything Pammy says during the walk, amplifies her frustration, inspiring her negative thoughts on the past and present.

A few blocks from home, Alma notices her old rival, Debi, up ahead sweeping her walk. Seeing the woman worsens Alma's mood. When Debi sees Alma, her thoughts are similarly plunged into the past. Then, when a storm breaks out, Alma and Pammy run for cover. Debi watches them, and decides to offer her help. Alma refuses...