Racism is the gravest threat-the maximum of hatred for a minimum of reason. Abraham Joshua Heschel

Nick tightened the wrench another turn. "Try it now." Sister Margaret turned on the water and the fox peered anxiously at the pipe to see if there were any drips. "Looks good!" He came out from under the sink and started washing his paws.

Sister Margaret bent down to look for herself, then straightened, smiling. "Nicholas, you are indeed a blessing. I was afraid I would have to call a plumber."

The fox shook his head. "They charge sixty dollars to walk in the door and say what their rate is to check the pipes. I'd rather lose a day's pay than have you spend that kind of money."

The badger looked alarmed. "Nicholas, you didn't…"

"No, luckily it's my day off. All I have planned for today is lunch with Judy." He glanced at the clock. "I still have time. Anything else need fixing?"

"Everything else." Sister Margaret smiled ruefully. "Sometimes I wonder how I've kept the roof over our heads this long."

"So do I." Nick dried off his paws. "Tell you what, you make a list of what's most urgent and Judy and me will both come next time. Might even bring Finn."

Sister Margaret brightened. "That would be wonderful. I could make blueberry cobbler just the way you like it."

The fox laughed. "For your blueberry cobbler, I really would take a day off work."

"I'd rather you didn't." The badger and the fox walked out to the porch. "If that's what you want, I'll have a big long list ready for your next day off, but Nicholas, you should take some time for yourself. Judith too. You both do far too much for us."

Nick didn't answer for a moment, then he smiled, a sweet smile not often seen on his face. "Coming here is time for myself, Sister. Judy feels the same way. Even Finn. If we didn't, we wouldn't come. You know that."

"I know." The badger patted his arm. "Three guardian angels."

"I'm going to tell Finn you called him an angel," the fox snickered.

"Don't you dare!" Sister Margaret chuckled. "You'd better get going. You don't want to be late for lunch with Judith."