It was March in Alabama and the warm spring air slipped through the open windows and mingled with the scent of sugar and vanilla Helen longed to go outside and run barefoot through the still damp grass or climb the tall oak out in front but the promise of the first bite of her favorite cake kept her inside close to the stove
Into the kitchen came Viney the family cook with a long sure stride She's sure in a hurry
Viney could tell the cake was just about done and she'd need to test it Behind her came the light quick steps of Viney's daughter and Helen's friend Martha Martha plopped down slid close to Helen and squeezed her hand Here comes the cake Coming out of the oven now Heat steamed Helen's face as Viney set the cake with its burnt vanilla scent on the table in front of them Perfect
