an others； always having someone to be with。 When it
wasn't you and Dad； it was Peggy； then my roommates at college； then
Jeff。〃 Her voice caught on his name。 She had long…since cried herself
out； but that little break in her breath remained。
Marjorie Faulke grasped at straws。 〃Call Peggy。 She won't be starting
classes for another few weeks。 She'll make the trip with you。〃
But Anne shook her head。 〃No； Mom。 Peggy's terrific。 For a sister； I
couldn't ask for finer。 But she has her own life； her own friends。 It's
not her job to baby…sit me。 And I'd really prefer to be alone。〃 Her
voice hardened。 〃I'd better get used to it； don't you think？〃 Oh； yes；
there was anger。 Its only cure was through the courts； but it would be
months more before things were resolved there。
A silence had hung over the intimate round table； its elegant place
settings and fine food for otten。 This had bee a pattern； this family
gathering turned wake； but it had to be broken。 Anne had to start to
live again。 The trip to Vermont was a first step。
As the full blaze in the fireplace settled to a more sedate crackle； the
patter of raindrops broke through Anne's reverie。 Stretching her legs；
she stood； smoothed out her jeans； and padded barefoot to the front
window。 The darkness was dense。 Staring out through rain…spattered
panes； she was grateful that she had shut the car windows and locked the
door。 The idea of going outside to do it now didn't appeal to her。 As
she stood； hands by her sides； eyes straight ahead； she could see
nothing but the black of night and her own grim reflection。
She didn't need friends to tell her that she looked g
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