Elizabeth Tanner entered the kitchen and froze at the sight of her old friend, Mary.
Mary was slumped in her chair, playing with a spoon and a bowl of Chrunchy-Os, the generic supermarket version of a popular cereal brand. Her hair was tied up in a pink ribbon, and she was wearing a dress that looked like it belonged on a child.
In fact, without any makeup, and wearing loose fitting clothes, she looked a lot like a gigantic child.
"Mary," Elizabeth said, gently. "What are you doing?"
"Eating breakfast. Want some?" Mary chirped.
"Have you completely lost your mind?" She insisted. "You're a grown woman."
"I'm a big girl," Mary agreed.
Elizabeth looked at her. "Mary, I'm your friend. Do you remember that? We're the same age. We babysit each other's children."
Mary took another bite of cereal. "You're funny," she declared.
Elizabeth grabbed her by the shoulders, trying to get her to focus.
