For dinner, Stella prepared several of Madeline’s favorite dishes, ones she usually enjoyed.

She deliberately made extra. Sure enough, after glancing at the table and realizing she couldn’t finish everything, Madeline called out, “Stella, come sit and eat with me.”

Wiping her hands on her apron, Stella smiled lightly. “You go ahead, ma’am. I’ll eat whatever’s left after you’re done.”

Madeline set down her chopsticks. “Food’s best ...