The death of Scotty is a heart-wrenching tragedy, but out of it, from the most unlikely of sources, comes compassion, the opportunity for forgiveness, and the creation of a sense of human community in the face of the suffering that is common to all.

The situation at the beginning of the story seems perfect. A loving mother orders a birthday cake for her young son's birthday party. What could be more representative in microcosm of the joys of human community than a birthday party for a child? Then comes the tragic accident, and the precariousness of human happiness is revealed.

Before her world is shattered, Ann Weiss shows herself to be a person who likes to make connections with others; she likes to communicate and be friendly. When she first encounters the baker, she tries to engage him in conversation, but he will not be...