Bertie's Farm

"Pardon my bluntness, Ellie, but you look like something the cat dragged it."

Ellie Richards glared at her friend Graham. "Gee thanks, pal. You're just what my ego needs."

If anyone other than Graham had uttered such an offensive remark, true as it might be, Ellie would have been hurt. Graham was the exception. He and his wife Beverly were lifelong friends. They had been there to console and encourage her during the dark days following the deaths of her parents and husband in a tragic plane crash. Graham was also her deceased husband Mark's best friend at Hastings Law Firm. She put up with Graham's nagging, because he tolerated her moodiness.

When grief threated her very existence, her job at Design Element had been her salvation. Foolishly she had allowed her work to become an obsession. Gradually she had dug a deep hole for herself, a hole that lacked an escape route.

Graham moved to her side and pulled her in for a gentle hug. "El, I know you are hurting, but unless you slow down, you are going to end up in either a physician or therapist's office. Take a break. Smell the roses."

She adored the man, but even he didn't understand the depth of her heartbreak. "Thanks for your concern, Graham. I'll think about making some changes."

He looked skeptical. "I've heard that before."

"I promise."