By the time Lydia woke up company was gone, the table was cleared, and things were quiet. She left Dufus on the bed and went into the kitchen. Mom was there sitting at the table sipping a cup of tea. "Hi, ya, Babe. Ready for dessert?" "Uh-huh." Lydia sat silently as her mother dished up a bowl of banana pudding. She sat back down across from Lydia. "Wanna tell me about it?" Mrs. Davis stroked Lydia's cheek. "I need a job." "Baby, don't I give you an allowance and spending money for Christmas presents?" "It's not the same. You're not supposed to buy your mother a present out of money she gave you." "You're growing up." "Whoopdeedoo." "We'll think of something." "Yeah." Lydia pushed the bowl away. She didn't want any dessert.