A redwood deck circled the cabin. Stairs led to the balcony. In front of the cabin, a flat-rock-paved path led to a sandy beach. Helen took the path to the beach.

On either side, the beach was sheltered by granite. Among patches of lichen, in cracks in the rocks grew miniature moss gardens. The water was so clear that she could see sand and rocks on the lake bottom. With her totebag and shoes beside her, she sat in the sand with her feet in the clear water and listened to the sound of the lake, sliding in and out on the beach.