, a flicker of su

ed, as if to make sur

y, but something in my demeanor, perhaps

I con

fessional sound, then re

of forms, placing them

e out completely. Both pa

The word w

They felt surprisingly light in my hand,

ck to an e

obably still with Vance, celebratin

nce was

where I'd cooked thousands of meals, managed a

ed the

lt like an eternity, I though

h, took a beer from the fridge

on

g, long time, it didn't feel lo

or opened an

iling behind her, chattering a

surprise in her voice. "We grabbed a bite a

have dinner ready f

imply, gesturing

ly. My lack of apology,

ver, was l

ot dog at the Exchange!" Lil

ter than Dad's

, a hint of defi

could make us di

t the edge was duller now

started sorting through the mail, di

turned to me, her

she began, not as

. It's the most logical arrangement given

fine here. My parents can help out if you need

erly parents, just like in the old life when she'd be off on

ed my entire existence, my

nothing more than a

f the past

ries, her voice on the phone always rus

al personnel" on trips, which almost a

ission, Mike. Y

od. Or I'd tol

ng the future she was so blithely ch

d. She was selfish. And Vance

nding there so confi

s were in my brie

ule?" she asked, a slight challenge in her tone,

e, my own cal

I said. "I don'

perceptibly. This wasn't t

ad, to argue, to remin

"I knew you'd be reasonable. I'll se

romise. I

as still the same o

he coming days