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By then Finn has begun the process of washing his hands, which can take centuries Patiently and silently he lathers his hands with the bar ofeach line in his pal but still s of fish

"This is nice," Gabe tells me as he pulls out his chair, and I’ will be fine "Mint sood after today"

I try to think of what Mue difference feels like athe hotel ready today?"

"They were shorthanded at the pier," Gabe says "And Beringer knows I’er’s son, too lazy to be quick at anything Gabe told rateful for Joseph’s inability to think of anything but hirateful at the h, because Gabe smells like fish since Joseph is a feck

Gabe holds his tea but doesn’t drink it Finn is still washing I sit down at my place Gabe waits a few h, okay?"

Finn still takes another minute to rinse, but then he shuts off the tap and corace if it’s only apple cake?"

"And a chain saw," I say

"God, thank you for this cake and Finn’s chain saw," Gabe says "Are you happy?"

"God, or me?" I ask

"God’s always happy," Finn says "You’re the one who needs pleasing"

This strikes me as incredibly untrue, but I refuse to rise to the bait I look at Gabe, who’s looking at his plate I ask hi where the pasture rain Finn looks at Gabe, who’s still looking at his plate, pressing his fingers into the top of the apple cake as if he’s checking the texture I am suddenly aware of how tomorrow, the anniversary of our parents’ deaths, has been loo inside ht be the same for quiet, solid Gabe

He doesn’t lift his eyes He siaze on Gabe "What?"

I can’t speak; it’s like he’s said it in a different language, and my brain has to translate it before I can understand it

"I’ the island," Gabe tells us, and this tih he still doesn’t look at either of us

Finn es a whole sentence first "What e do with all of our things?"

I add, "What about Dove?"

Gabe says, "I’ the island"

Finn looks like Gabe has slapped hiet Gabe to o without us?" Then, ives hi You’re just going for --" I shakefor

Gabe finally lifts his face "I’e of the table, his fingertips pressed into the wood so that they’re white on the very ends but bright red toward the joints; I don’t think he’s aware of it

"When?" I say

"Teeks" Puffin isand chair, but Gabe doesn’t look down or acknowledge her "I pro"