Chapter 32: Olde Tymes, Part 8

"What is it, me dear? What is the matter?"

"Oh, it's nothing really," Katya began but then burst into full sobs.

"Come, come now, Katya," said Mrs. O'Leary, putting her arm around the weeping girl. "Let's go into the house for a cup of tea. No, better yet, I have some fresh-baked cookies. We will have some milk and cookies, and you can tell me all about it."

Katya sat down at the simple wooden table while Mrs. O'Leary poured milk and chatted.

"I had to bake them early before the day's heat got too bad. They are for tonight. Me neighbors, the McLaughlins, are throwin' a party, but I made enough for us to have a taste. Now tell me your troubles, sweet girl."

"It's about my friend. His name is Cyrus Callahan-" Katya began.

"Is he related to the Callahans over in Conley's Patch?" interrupted Mrs. O'Leary.

"No, ah, maybe...I'm not sure actually," Katya continued. "But he wants to be my boyfriend..."

"And you don't want this, is that it?"