Shoshie stood there for a few seconds, hoping her mother would say more, but her mother was focused on the pages. Could a person be jealous of a book?

“Can I speak to Miri?” Shoshie said into the phone.
“I think she’s sleeping. Should I give her a message?”
“Is this Benny?”
“Yes, is this Shoshie?”
“Yes. Can you tell Miri I called to say refuah sheleimah?”
“If I remember.”
“Thanks, I guess.” Shoshie hung up the phone then dragged herself off the bed to open her door a crack. The house was dark and silent. “Hello,” she said. “Anybody there?”
This one’s in print. Some of our best stories live in the magazine — subscribe to get Mishpacha every week.