IRE

ns, a quiet, middle-class neighborhood, completely different from

ggled to pull my two large

wo-story house and took a deep br

an excuse-the bakery was busy, or Hale needed me.

amily bakery. My mother was gentle and protective. They never appro

right. I was returning with

oor. Just as I was about to kno

y parent

anger. "... The rent went up again! Our reve

"Richard, keep your voice down!

eir prices too! Everything is getting more exp

oor, my hand hov

ll branch, though its profits were slim, was at least self-su

that hockey player was no good! She put all her energy int

er!" my mother retorted. "S

t playing with her! Look, how long has it been since she

made my chest ache. Guil

fter a hollow love while being comple

ith the child of the man my

hey found out the trut

nt inside

t door. My hand dropped to my side. Hale di

ld door, tears silently

enly opened f

a bag of trash. She saw

suitcases at my feet. The surprise on he

ame softly, her voice fil