I went into the delicatessen to get some bread and in walked Shirl, already loaded down with shopping bags.  I offered to help her, but she told me she was just getting some fish.  She was taking the bus, she explained, and going west to her sister’s house.  I asked her how Beverly’s doing.  Shirl frowned and said, Not too well.  It seems that Shirl’s sister Beverly is thinking about filing for bankruptcy.  I asked why.  Shirl explained to me that she just lost her job.  Beverly has been widowed for many years and her one daughter, married, lives in California, clear on the other side of the country.  They’re pretty much estranged.  Beverly has a grandson who’s now four, and Cathy, her daughter, sends pictures each year, but that’s about it.  So, Beverly doesn’t have very much of Sid’s money left, and she’s in a quandary about what to do.  She’s in good health, but what happens if she gets sick, for example?  Shirl said that she wanted to try to help her, but she was sure Beverly would refuse her help.  Shirl lives reasonably comfortably, with her own children long grown, but she’s not what you’d call wealthy or anything.  She works as a legal secretary and earns a good salary.  I’ve known her since grade school.  Shirl is nothing if not honest.  I know she’s feeling distraught about Beverly’s situation.