Gwen nodded slowly. “Thanks for handling that.” Elizabeth shrugged. “You already had too much going on.” The answer wasn’t overthought, just practical. Gwen lingered for a second before heading to the kitchen. The quiet competence was… unexpected, but not unwelcome.
Later, Gwen sat at the dining table with a stack of sympathy cards, reading a few and setting most aside. Elizabeth joined her with two mugs of tea. “I sorted the ones from neighbors if you want to start replying.” Gwen gave a faint smile. “Maybe next week.”