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."