The Small Gathering

Ages 12-15

Freidy sets six little bowls on the table.

Henny puts a bag of pretzels beside them.

"The others can't come," she says.

Bracha stands in the doorway with her coat folded over one arm.

Freidy looks at the six bowls.

"All three?"

Henny nods.

Freidy looks at the guessing-game cards from school. They are arranged for two teams, three children on each side.

Bracha lays her coat on a chair. She takes out a small puzzle box.

"I brought this."

Freidy looks toward the front door.

Henny picks up two bowls. "Should I put these away?"

Freidy takes a third from the table and stacks it inside the other two.

The remaining bowls form a loose triangle.

Bracha tips the puzzle pieces into the middle. Henny opens the pretzels.

Freidy takes a corner piece and turns it beside the picture on the box.

"This is at the top."

Bracha moves closer. She finds another piece with the same color and puts it beside the corner.

They do not fit.

Freidy tries the other side. The tabs join.

Henny gives her a bowl with a handful of pretzels inside.

Freidy puts it beside her place and reaches for the next piece.

Across the table, Bracha leans toward the picture. Henny looks for the missing edge.

On the shelf, three bowls remain stacked. On the table, three bowls sit beside the growing puzzle.