ABSTRACT
Mrs. Little spent her last Christmas in County Hospital. The deterioration of her body had continued without pause, and she complained of an overwhelming tiredness. When she entered the hospital in mid-December, her half-sisters initiated plans for nursing placement. As if to exert a final measure of control, on January 22, 1991, Mrs. Little passed away. Fourteen people attended her funeral. Among them were Mr. Avant, Miss Fannie, and Rosa Mae. Mrs. Little’s house has the look of abandonment, but Mr. Avant remains a loyal tenant. He looks out now for Miss Fannie, who is herself homebound, making daily trips to lock and unlock her door, as he once did for Mrs. Little.
