Wicked Forest (DeBeers 2)

very confused and distracted and haven't been very

hospitable. I didn't even realize when you returned.

Grace caught me up on everything that's happened. I

feel so foolish."

For a moment I couldn't speak. It was as if a

completely different Linden Montgomery had stepped

out of that bedroom. He even stood straighter. Anyone

who saw him now and heard me tell what he had been

like before would surely accuse me of gross

exaggeration.

"No," I said "I understand how hard it has been

for you, Linden."

He shrugged.

"I don't know why exactly. but I feel like some

great weight has been lifted from my shoulders. So.

Grace tells me you have enrolled in school here," he

said, pouring himself a cup of coffee, then bringing it

to the table and sitting across from me.

"Yes. I have found a program in a nearby

college that will enable me to pursue my career." "That's terrific. I know Grace is veiy pleased,"

he said, smiling at her.

She, too, stared with eyes wide with disbelief.

but eyes full of happiness, as well. If anything was

unusual now, it was Linden's apparent obliviousness

to our reactions,

"Would you like some eggs today, Linden?"

she asked him.

"I think so. Mother. That omelette you do with

a little cheese. I don't know why. but I woke up

absolutely famished today."