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“He left,” Elsa said tiredly

“Back to that damn tavern?” Tony said “I told him—”

“No,” Elsa said “He left Lonesome Tree On a train Or so I’m told”

Rose stared at Elsa “He left? No He wouldn’t do that I know he’s unhappy, but…”

“For God’s sake, Rose,” Tony said “We are all unhappy Dirt is raining fro We’re all unhappy”

“He wanted to go to California,” Elsa said “I said no It was ato talk to him about it, but…” She pulled the letter out of her pocket and handed it to them

Rose took it in tre silently over the words Tears filled her eyes when she looked up

“Son of a bitch,” Tony said, cru the boy”

Rose looked stricken “He’ll be back,” she said

The three of them stared at each other Absence could fill a roo, apparently

The front door banged opened Loreda and Ant came back with dirty hands and dirty faces and three small potatoes between them

“It’s barely any use” Loreda stopped “What’s wrong? Who died?”

Elsa set down her glass “I need to talk to you two”

Rose put a hand over her e the children’s lives

Rose pulled Elsa into a tight hug, then let her go