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The first thing she notices is the s at the table, s ashtray is near her elbow

“Mas into the wall

“Hush,” herover at the bed where Grand

Vera puts the bicycle away and low illu every hard surface in the rooe; this is especially true of her er “And where are your vegetables froarden?”

“Oh I hit a bench withwas lost ” As the lie spills out, she grabs on to it “And I was hurt Oh,me That is why I am so late I had to walk all the way home ”

Her , Vera You are not so ready for lifeand loveas you believe And these are dangerous times ”

“You were seventeen when you fell in love with Papa ”

“Yes,” herIt is a sound of defeat, as if she already knows everything that has happened

“You would do it again, wouldn’t you? Love Papa, I mean ”

Her mother flinches at that word—love

“No,” her ain, not a poet who cared more for his precious words than his family’s safety Not if I had knoould feel to live with a broken heart ” She puts out her cigarette “No That is my answer ”

“But—”

“I know you don’t understand,” heraway “I hope you never do Now come to bed, Vera Allow irl ”

“I am,” Vera protests

Her , though, I think For you want to be in love ”