The beef brisket broth in the clay pot bubbled away, sending up wisps of milky-white steam.
A group of people were gathered around the table for hot pot, the air thick with steam and filled with the constant sound of laughter and conversation.
It was nearly eleven o'clock. The night was dark as Renee Jennings and her friends rose to take their leave.
Faye Wyatt and Henry Stark watched them get into their car and drive away.
Back in the living room, Wanda Brooks, who had said she was going to bed, was sitting on the sofa.
"Mom, I thought you were sleepy," Faye Wyatt asked.
Wanda Brooks chuckled. "I lay down but couldn't fall asleep. Why did those kids leave so early?"
"It's not early," Faye Wyatt said. "It's already eleven o'clock."
"Those girls are all wonderful." Wanda Brooks smiled kindly. "I like them a lot."
