The next day, which was Sunday, both Johnny and his mother were up early. They both heard Marion and Howard talking in the kitchen downstairs, talking about her and Johnny, but none of the words were negative, which is a good thing. Johnny didn't catch any of the conversation between the Cunninghams. He looked at his mother. She looked like she wasn't listening either.

"How did you sleep, Johnny?" Mama asked when they both combed their hair and brushed their teeth.

This morning, they both did that together, and Johnny didn't seem to mind at all.

"I slept like a rock. I hardly heard a sound. How about you?"

"It was pleasant."

Johnny knew what she meant, and so he agreed with her. When they both finished, he followed her downstairs.

Marion looked in her friend's direction as both mother and son joined them in the kitchen.

"Bunny, I hope you and Johnny slept well."

"We both did, Marion. I'd like to let you know that your guest rooms are very comfortable."

"Those are Joanie and Richie's old bedrooms. Now they don't live here anymore, Howard and I decided to turn them both into guest rooms, even if it means them."

"My house is only big enough for two bedrooms also, Marion. I have refurnished the masterbedroom after his father passed away."

Mama didn't sound sad at all, Johnny told himself. She had accepted his death within a month or so. Johnny didn't really remember his father much, but he mostly heard the stories she had shared.

"Mama, you haven't mentioned Dad for a while."

"Good observation, Johnny. Marion, Johnny and I are going to head home tomorrow."

"When does your flight leave, Bunny?" Howard asked.

"Nine – thirty," was her answer.

"I will be happy to drive you both to the airport. I have to open up at nine."

"Thank you for the offer, Howard. We will be up early for you to do the transportation."

"I'll go with Howard so we can say good – bye, Bunny. This has been a pleasant stay," Marion told her.

Mama agreed with Marion.

"Today is Johnny's birthday. Maybe I can take him shopped with me so that way I can buy him what he wants. Are you okay with that, Johnny?"

"That's fine. You really don't need to spoil me on my birthday."

In the past five years, Johnny has made up his mind that he doesn't care much about his birthday as he used to.

When all of them finished eating breakfast, Marion offered to take them both shopping.

"I understand about having a limit of stuff you can take with you, Bunny, so it won't be much."

"Thanks, Marion. You're too good of a friend. I'm sure your friends tell you the same thing."

Marion nodded.

"I don't hear that too often, but I'll take yours as a compliment."

"You hear people say those words to us," Marion told Howard.

"I know. At least it's their way of saying how special we are."

When they finished, it was time to do some shopping.

"We'll see you in a few hours, Howard."

"Okay. I'll find stuff to do while you're out."

That's when they left Howard.