Can I try this?

The gap between us hasn’t modified, so why I feel I can deal with this complete state of affairs higher than I did six months earlier than, is past me.

Perhaps it’s as a result of I’ve household dinners with my children that aren’t crammed with contempt.

Or as a result of I advised my dad I wished one thing totally different in my profession.

I do know that’s not why.

It’s as a result of, on the finish of on daily basis, I wish to hear his voice and inform him all the pieces.

Pacing the kitchen, I pull out my cellphone.

Me: Hello.

Ethan: Hello.

I’ve no clue what to say.

Me: Isn’t it type of bizarre that something is in season in January? The place does all of it develop?

I cringe.

Ethan: It’s. My guess is Florida.

I drop my head towards the kitchen cupboard with a groan. He’s in all probability sitting casually, like that is no huge deal, whereas I’m on the point of dying a sluggish demise.

Me: Have you ever met anybody?

I chew my pinky nail aggressively, drink a whole glass of water, and chew my pinky nail once more whereas three dots seem and disappear.

Ethan: I’ve.

My coronary heart drops straight to the ground and breaks.

Me: Is it severe?

His response is an on the spot, It’s.

He met somebody, similar to I anticipated. Anticipating and accepting, I notice, is not going to coexist in my physique with regards to this.

Him.

Me: Me too.

Ethan: You’re nonetheless a horrible liar, Penelope.

My cheeks sting with warmth.

Bastard.

The good factor to do could be to drop it. He’ll by no means know I’m in Maine. I can go to the assembly, keep in Bangor, and by no means go to Bethel.

This is likely one of the many lies I inform myself whereas I lay in mattress that evening and fake to sleep.

Fifty-four

Maine in January is the coldest place I’ve ever been. Even in the course of the afternoon, the solar does nothing to heat this a part of the earth. It’s frigid.

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