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Nina heard the word thinks and it made her look up For a moment they all looked at each other

Moht this Do not rush me to the doctor’s, Meredith,” she said “I know he is not here ”

Meredith nodded but said nothing

Nina filled in the aard silence “My favorite time of day is sunset Preferably in Botswana In the dry season I love answers And I think there’s a reason Mom hardly ever looks at us ”

“It isyou want?” Mom said “You will be disappointed Now eat I hate this dish when it is cold ”

Nina recognized her mother’s tone It meant that the frivolity of their little tradition had come to an end The rest of the meal proceeded in silence; the only sounds were spoons scraping on fine china and wineglasses being set down on the wooden table, and when dinner was over, Meredith rose to her feet and went to the sink Moracefully away

“I’ht,” Nina said to Meredith, as drying the silverware

Her sister didn’t turn around, neither did she answer

“You could—”

“I need to go through Dad’s study,” Meredith said “I need some of his files at the office ”

“Are you sure?”

“I’ it off ”

There were places in every hole individual No ht use a space, or coroup to whoed In Meredith’s hoirls used it on occasion, but rarely: summertime parties and such Meredith loved that porch and sat in the wicker rocker throughout the year

In Belye Nochi, alht was reflected in all the decorations and furniture, from the kitchen with its pale walls and white tile counters to its antique wooden table and chairs Where there was color in this house, it cailded icons in the Holy Corner, the painting of the troika

Of all the rooms in Belye Nochi, only one could truly be called her father’s, and it was this room, his study