栗子网  www.lizi.tw台湾小说网  www.192.tw栗子网  www.lizi.tw:凌落无声整理

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    nightsinrodanthebynicholassparks

    reelingan,adrienneallastaltoostassoonasshegetsthere,ajorstorsforeedicalpractidistryingtoescapehisofortandiionfeelingsthatethroughouttherestoftheirlives.

    aoents

    nightsinrodanthe,asynovels,uldnthavebeenyorebeautifuleveryyear.

    sinyotherthreechildren,ihavetoaoilesandryanessageinabottle.iloveyouguys

    idalsoliketothanktheresaparkandjaeraab,agentaorrespeyetisgruleaboutthechallehispresents,thefinalproductisitisbecauseofthosetheylikethestory,oddsarethatyouoo.

    larrykirshbaundureeythanks.ily.theyvedee.

    denisedinovi,theproduessageinabottleandaeer,isnotonlyskilledateorustandrespeythanksforallshehasdoneandstilldoesfor.

    richardgreenandhoyagentsinhollyfriends,greatpeople,atheydo.thanks,guys.

    sttscher,attoeyandfriend,ale.thankyou.

    inpublianello,ebattaglia,andednafarley;flagaoftheverdesignpeople;urtenayvalentiandlorenzodaventuraofarkjohnsonandlynnharrisofheyhaveallbeeoh.

    thanks,everyone.

    ndyoreandshaneber,andiappreciatetheirenthusiasortheproject.

    thenthereisfalyightgetakieshere:ikeandpaell;hea,onteandgail;danandsandy;jaark;,joannie,andpapapaul.

    and,ofurse,hopaulandadrienne

    one

    threeyearsearlier,onanin1999,adrienneallinnpervioustosunandsandandsaltedst.theporchhadbeenfreshlypainted,andshinyblackshutterssandedacurvingduhatgedierceptiblyotothe.

    ongtheiadrieshedtraveledbaetichide:

    deberedagicallyblinkitbacktoithadoncebeen.

    noeafeonthsintohersixtiethyear,adriennehungupthephoerspeakingeeringthelongthere.despiteallthathadhappeheyearsthathadpassedsihen,adrieillheldtighttothebeliefthatloveheessenceofafullandwonderfullife.

    outside,rainiliarity.reeringthosedaysalixtureofetionsihingakinto,butnotquite,nostalgia.nostalgiaantiaiuseuxhibit,oneiobelievethatshedleaedreinthosefivedaysthanshehadinalltheyearsbeforeorafter.

    shejaesurgedhertofindsooospendherreiningyearsen;orary,evehesuperrket.siniolookpastthegrayinghairandansheusedtobe.

    notthatsheregrettedbeingolder.peoplenoaybe,butnotyoung.true,shessedsothingsboundingupthestairs,e,orhavingtheeokeepupfortheexperieneonlyuchatallthatdesleepeeasythesedays.

    besides,youthhadit

    ...

    栗子网  www.lizi.tw栗子小说    m.lizi.tw栗子小说    m.lizi.twsproble.notonlydidshereertheroeroostthere,shesotisotherhoodelessthanafulltijob.

    ttapart,that.ttarriediliesoftheiroeoverforthanksgiving,shereeredsittingofftothesideandscurryaftertheirchildren,feelingstrangelysatisfiedatthehinghadtuedoutforhersons.

    asaloreplicatedfhter.

    thekidsovedoutofthehouse,andeaiddletheother.shebegandressinginlisteningtosicthatdetheotherscallsfordihereotherorbrothersfordays.

    ittookafeandahadeventuallyfoundherilartoetbrentinllege,andtheyrriedaftergraduationandhadtarriage.likenyyounguples,theystruggledfinancially,butbrente.

    theywerewrong.

    brenthadbeengonefhtnthsnoofavirulentstraiie,shefoundthedrapesattheirhousedraandasittinginthelivingroohrobeevatexpressionshedhedayofthefuneral.

    itandaslivingroothatadrienellherdaughteraboutthepast.

    fourteenyears.thatshohadbeen.

    inallthoseyears,adrieoldonlyonepersonabouthadhappened,butherfatherhaddiedhthesecret,uellanyoneeveo.

    hertherhadpassedaenissedhioanyofhisgeion.havingleaedatradeinsteadofgoingtollege,hedspentfortyyearsinafuiturenufaoingtoileandahalftowork.

    intheeveningsafterdinner,heorepronounlookrelikearetiredllegeprofessorthanthebluellarworkerhehadbeen.

    thereulate.headeagoodpriestornister,shedoftenthought,andpeopleethiorthefirsttiusuallypressionthatheselfandthepeoplesfairreathyandpatience,hurandsadness.adrienneandarightnoanda,ifonlybecauseheknereallywas.

    anthago,andaaboutandahadstoodupfrohetablehanangryshakeofherhead.

    “thisisntlikeyouanddad,”shedsaid.“youts,soyoudivorced.butilovedbrent.illal.youdontkhinglikethat.”

    adriennehadsaidnothing,butaherooadriennehadloord.

    rodanthe.

    pathizedahesegessteedfrohelossoftheirfather,adriennekneandahadbeesispring.

    beandadidnthavetowork.

    noheless,forthefirstupleofnthsafterbrenthaddied,adriennearlyeverydayattheirhouse,keepingthebillsinorderandpreparingalsforthechildren,andasleptand.sheheldherdaughteranda,listenedandaindherdaughterthatsheuldbeginanew.

    adriehoughtherdaughtertier.byearly

    ...

    栗子网  www.lizi.tw小说站  www.xsz.tw栗子网  www.lizi.twsuer,andahadbeguntosleagain,infrequentlyatfirst,thenalittlereofteuredoutintothetoes,tookthekidsrollerskating,andadriennegraduallybeganpullingbaeresponsibilityforherofortuldbefoundieadyroutinesoflife,adriennehadleaed;shehopedthatbydecreasingherpresenherdaughterslife,andaorealizethat,too.

    butinaugust,ohatandaopeheasterbedroosaproving.shedidntexaostpart,sheseedtobefrozensoedasifandahadbeenvinoriesofbrent,ahedecisionnottoallohattohappen.

    butitthateverythioadrienhattheydlosttheirtheraswell.

    ilehueofthesoftlitkitovies,sosheuldspendtheeveninganda.likeadriehofhersonsandaskids.notonlyhadtheydeextraeffortstostayactiveintheboyslives,butnearlyalloftheirreversationsequestion:dowedo

    today,equestionagain,adriennehadreassuredhihatshedtalktoanda.thoughdanhadbeeicalhadriedthatallalongtonight,shekne.

    adriennehadfeother,butshekhereraadeherorelikeasquarethananhlass,andglassesgrathereanttohurher,shesotishadtostiflealaugh.

    partoftheirerror,sheknedfroheirdesiretoseeherinaoresedatethandaring,reofaplodderthansoone.andinkeepingotherthatsheinds.

    knoandainute,adrieatonher.

    onshedsharedadeherallstationerybox,andadrieonthepillowbesideher.

    ihadbeehesissives,thatsandheydoncefoundatthebeach.

    adrieheothesideandpulledanenvelopefrohestacks,reeringhoreadit,thenslidoutthepage.ithadthinnedandbrittled,andthoughtheinkhadfadedintheyearssincehedfirsttenit,hisillclear.

    dearadrienne,

    iveneverbeengoodateifiotabletokeselfclear.

    iarrivedthisingonadonkey,believeitoot,andfoundoutydaysfient,ahoughtheyhaveageortoprovideelehere,asupplyrunisntforafesorryaboutthat,butithinkightbethisway.

    ihaventsee.hesbeenatanoutreauegettingtokweenus.

    iteveounthoanypatientsisaesinceiveseenpatientsinthiss,butthenurseedlost.ithinkshehankfulthatihereatall.

    ivebeenthinkingaboutyounstantlysiohaveledthroughyou.iknoyjoueysnotoveryet,andthatlifeisaehootheplaceibelong.

    thatshoagihate.iknepossible,butforsoreason,itdeleavingyoujustalittleeasier.itostasifpartofyouhadee.

    iet,iethinginthatsohoedireagain.yenow.

    orethaniveeverssedanyone.

    ...

    栗子小说    m.lizi.tw栗子小说    m.lizi.tw台湾小说网  www.192.twpartofyeastojuonaplaneaoseeyounosureakeit.andiiseyou.intheshorttiostpeopleabout,andintingthedaysuntiliseeyouagain.neverfethouchiloveyou.

    paul

    bledaelessness,oftheprirdialssized,perfeed,ahingnearlyiossibletofindintheroughsurfoftheouterbanksafterastoranohoughtthen,andshereeredliftingittoherearandsayingthatsheuldhearthesoundoftheo.atthat,paulhadlaughed,explainingthatitsarouhenandshightide,ordidntyounotice”

    adriehroughtheothers,revinganda,oretiainiothebottoraandatoseethosethings.grabbingthebox,adrieoodfrohebedandsothedherskirt.

    herdaughterly.

    two

    adrielater,andaovingthroughthelivingroo

    “

    adrieheboxounter.“inhere,”shecalled.

    andapushedthroughthesothersittingatthetable,anunopetleofwinebeforeher.

    “andaasked.

    adrienhinkialler.shentonit,

    “iedtotalktoyou,”adriennesaid.

    “about”

    insteadofansotiohetable.“ithinkyoushouldsitdown.”

    andajoihetable.upandalookeddraont,therehekit.

    “andafinallyasked.“areyouokay”

    adriennefine.iobegin.”

    andastiffenedslightly.“isthisaboutagainbecauseifitis”

    adriennegoingtotellyouaboutsothingthathappenedfourteenyearsago.”

    andatiltedherhead,andinthefaliarsurroundingsofthesllkit,adriennebegaory.

    three

    rodanthe,1988

    theingskyisttohisreoyotadslippedbehindtheallyendedhhissignatureonthesalesntract.

    itonth,hedsoldbothhiscars,hisdicalpractidinge.

    hehadntknouoing,hedbyroooti,hopingtoreersastreeandreellsihelivingrooddozensofparties.

    butashepassedfrooooroopausinganthereaoeriessprangtolife.thehouse,herealized,orethayshell,andhehereaslongashehad.

    paulexitedtheparkinglot,tuedintotraffiddehistersinginfrohesuburbs.tier,hetuedontohigh.irunkedicalkitandvarioussupplieshedbee.

    outside,theskylysettledin.ithadraihisingforanhour,aherlyadeitfeellderthanitilesoverthespeedlit,lettinghisthoughtsdriftbacktooing.

    brittblaetotalkhiutofit.theydbeenfriendsforyears;sixnthsaghtupallthatheedtodo,brittthoughtpaulllbetheday.”oableatthefaceofhisfriendhadherealizedpaulwasserious.

    paulhadbeenpreparedforthateting,ofurse.itforalongntbeforelookingup.

    “isthisbeartha”britthadasked.

    “no,”hedahiodo.”

    inthecar,paultuedoerandheldhishandinfrontoftheveingtheairhisfingers.peekingintherearvieirror,hesaagain.

    hedsoldthehousetoayoungprofessionaluplethehusbahefirstdayitebackthefolloadeanofferhinhoursofthatvisit.theyhefirst,andonly,upletohavehroughthehouse.

    pauletheyde.despitetheirattetstosktheirfeelings,paulkhepaulshothefeaturesofthesecuritysystendhooopenthe

    ...

    栗子小说    m.lizi.tw栗子网  www.lizi.tw台湾小说网  www.192.twgatethatseparatedthisneighborhoodfroherestofthenity;heofferedthenaandbusinessportedfrotalyandthatthestainedglassodeledonlytore.hethroughthestersuiteandbath,theherbedroo,notiexahepersianaldiningroointhelibrary,paulaplepaneling,thenstaredatthetiffanylaohedesk.

    “andtheprice,”thehusbandsaid,“includesallthefuiture”

    paulnodded.asheleftthelibrary,heuldheartheirhushed,excited.

    toing.

    “whyareyouselling”

    paulreeredlookingatthehusband,kobeahintofspty.

    paululdhavesaidthatsiedtosooneyounger,iairs.orthatheeanduchtotakecareof.

    buthosereasohehusbandseyes.

    “obuy”heaskedinstead.

    histooglaheydidntseeoua.

    “itsthekindofhouseedabout,”thewifefinallyanswered.

    paulnodded.yes,hethought,ireerfeelingthatonthsago,anyway.

    “thenihopeitkesyouhappy,”hesaid.

    antlatertheupletuedtoleave,andpaulheadtotheirirror.and,forareasonheuldntquiteexplain,paulsuddenlyrealizedthereearsinhiseyes.

    thehighithfield,goldsboro,andkinston,slltoilesofttonandtobaoutsideston,andthelandrkshereiliartohiherolledpastttobacbasandfarouses;hesaistletoeinthehighbarrenbranchesofoaktreesjustoffthehighthe.

    inneadeliioricdistrict,heboughtasandarina.yachtsandsailboatsooredintheirslips,rogslightlyinthebreeze.

    paulsbreathspuffedoutinlittlehiscupofffee.rise,hetothispoint.

    ithadbeenalongjouey,hesed.histherhaddiedinersunthatperlystainedhisbaesplained,butforthestpart,heaoreoftenthannot,theirsllhouseofferedthequietudenorllyfoundinaandperusefareports,rsedhielfinbooks.theydidnthaveatelevision,andtheradiotuedon,exceptforfindingoutabouttheher.

    theyrooosleepin,pauletisearrassedbytheoonpieorabottleoflalikehisfriends.nontsaboutthosethings,butinsteadoffightingbaselftohisstudies,asiftryingtoproveitdidnttter.yearafteryear,hebroughthoperfeents,thereelahissonandnevereback.

    theeanexasafreshn,theaajoredineanallarieet.

    aftertherace,hegavethedaltohisfatherandsaidtha

    ...

    小说站  www.xsz.tw栗子网  www.lizi.tw栗子网  www.lizi.twthehaddohisforhi

    “no,”hisfatherreplied,“youranforyou.ijusthopeyourerunnihing,notasothing.”

    thatnight,paulstaredattheihing,tofroorry.happiness.

    infebruaryofhissenioryear,afterleainghedbeeedtodicalschoolatvanderbilt,hethegoodlaterthatnight,longafterhisfathershouldhavebeenasleep,paullookedoutthe,alonelyfigurestandihefe,staringoutoverthefields.

    threeer,hisfatherdiedofaheartattackillinginpreparationforthespring.

    pauletou,heavoidedhisriesbythroselfevenfurtherintorseablur.heoinghours.heranfivelesadayandaledhisruns,tryingtoiroves.heboughtatelevisionona,butheneverunpageiaedioon,butheprosedtheydheadsoplaiceark,theirson,er,andinthefirsttheboytosleep.

    rather,hestudiedatthekitanphysiologyorstudyingafterthe.hegraduatedatthetopofhisilytobaltiretodohissurgiunicationskillsastheyateasebeforetheoperation,buttheskilltodoent.ityhoursafourhoursanightbut,oddly,shoigue.

    afterhisresidenilytoraleigh,.astheonlyspeayoas.ayearlater,hehadanarticlepublishedintheneangiosfolloonthslaterandhelpedtoredefinesurgicalproceduresforinfantsinthatfield.hisreputatiohefrontpageofthereetjoual.

    inadditioruulatethings.hepurs.heboughtstoutualfunds.oneynager.afterthat,hisneybegandoublingeveryfouryears.thehanhedeveeedfortherestofhislife,itbegantotriple.

    andstillheeheyfive,thepacehekepteventuallybuedouthispartohanroupofdoctors.

    inthefirstfee,shestoppedbringingitup.thoughshefotosoofthejoreventsinhissonslife,thosethingsthathappenedonosteverythingelse.

    henvinartha,intheearlyyears.orfortheryofhisfather.orforrksfuture.butdeepdoself.

    ifheuldlisthisjretaboutthoseyearsnohislife,rksurprisedhiydearkhadbeeogether,andhereeredtakingrktoluntobeeasurgeon.rksilyshookhishead.

    “thatsyourlife,”rktoldhi“anditsnotalifethatisatall.tobeho,ifeelsorryforyou.”

    theent.rkdebitterafortheupleofadenoattettokeands.onths,thenintoyears.thoughrkntiherelationshiphehadother,heavoidedinghoherwasaround.

    paulhaheestrae,heranhisusualfivelesaday;in

    ...

    台湾小说网  www.192.tw栗子网  www.lizi.tw小说站  www.xsz.twtheings,hestudiedthefinanartha,.insteadofbeingasurgeon,rkbeonthstodeveloptheskillsheneeded,helefttheuntrytovolunteerhisservicestoaionalreliefanization.thoughithisfatheraspossible.

    tarkhadgohafiledfordivorce.

    ifrksadehingry,rthasstunned.hestartedtotrytotalkheroutofit,butrthagentlycuthiff.

    “iss”shesaid.“wehardlyknoore.”

    “ige,”hesaid.

    rthasled.“iknoyoushoulddoitbecauseyouto,notbecauseyouthinkiyouto.”

    paulspeupleofonthafterthat,afterhehadpletedaroutiion,sixtyt.

    ittothisroadnow.

    afterfinishinghisffee,paulgotbatheddehisinutes,hedreachedreheadcity.hecrossedoverthebridgetobeaufort,follohetus,thenheadeddo,toedarisland.

    therearveledatthepeopledrivingintheoppositedireen,sittingonabenchoutsideagasstatioohavenothiertodothanchthecarspassby.

    indafteoon,hebreheast.

    heduffelhagintohisdbeganthedrivenorthotheplacehehadtogo.

    theouterbanks,hethought,ystidiateingthepaisound,untilthe1950s,thereesbeyondthedunes.evennooftheculture,andashedrove,heuldseetiretraeartheersedge.

    theskyhadessquihrough,kingthee.overtheroaroftheengine,heuldhearthevioleheo.

    atthistiofyear,theouterbankspty,ahisstretartha.

    thedivorievenbeforetheydseparated,butitportant.thesedays,nothingseediortant.

    eeredetosortthingsout.butnthslater,insteadofgoingbaore.hestillranregularlybutfoundhenolongerhadanyiinreadingthefinaneer,hedneededonlysixhoursofsleepanight;butstrahereheorehoursheseedtoofeelrested.

    thereeinyears,paulfeltthesedasifhisgrayinghairhadfinallystoppedreg.

    atoi,hehadthoughthehaditall.hedrunandrun,hedreaething,nottoething,andinhisheart,heknehadallbeeninvain.

    he,heuldnthelpbuthhedrunsohard.

    knoallbedandbreakfastjustoffthehighedtoofferjustabouteverything.thegeneralstoresoldhardeic.

    hehadnoreasontoaskfordireier,hepulledoffthehighoreeriflagflutteredinthewind.

    hegrabbedhisgearandslungthebagsoverhisshoulder,thenalityofhisforrho.onhisleft,there,brightlylitbytingthefireplaedhedfindtheproprietor,away.

    thoughhesaalldeskkeys;thekeysallstatuesoflighthouses.hedesk,herangthebell,requestingservice.

    heehehearduffledeherear

    ...

    台湾小说网  www.192.tw台湾小说网  www.192.tw台湾小说网  www.192.twofthehouse.leavinghisgear,hesteppedaroundthedeskandpushedthroughasetofshatledtothekit.oerhreeunpackedgrs.

    thebackdoorthatalltablebet;ontheright,hesahesourceofthenoise.

    she,sheshehickturtleneckser.herlightbroendrilshechedasshetued,startledatthesoundofhisbootsontheporch.behindher,adozentesrodetheupdrafts,andaffeecupherailing.

    paulgla,hadonlyservedtokeherevenreappealing.

    four

    andalookedaother.

    adriennehadpausedandandauldheartherefrigeratorhuingsteadily.

    “ethis,

    “becauseithinkyouohearit.”

    “butean,whowashe”

    insteadofansotions,sheope.afterpherselfaglass,shedidthesafhter.

    “youghthis,”shesaid.

    “

    adrienneslidtheglassacrossthetable.

    “doyoureertorodantheheinn”

    ittookantbeforeitclicked.

    “ba”

    “yes.”

    andafoundherselfreagforherthis.

    five

    standiherailingohursdayafteoon,adrieheffeecupherhandsasshestaredattheo,notingthatithanithadbeenanhourearlier.theerhadtakenonthelorofiron,likethehullofanoldbattleship,andsheuldseetinyecapsstretgtothehorizon.

    partofhere.sheedlikeastake.first,theorethanthat,despitetheangryskies,thebeaeriesoftoonyfalyvacations,blissfuldaysenththeworld.

    foralongti,shednsideredherselfluoftheirhhtabovethefireplaanyotheren,hadtroublelosingalltheparedtostoftheenherageily,andshedidherbesttointaiheye,shenoticedthatjackdidntchherassheundressedbefettingintobed.

    instead,hetuedoutthelights,andthoughsheknefallasleepthatquickly,hepretendedhehad.

    lookingbaightadviseheronhoprovetheirrriage,aisfoundherselflookingfhtsloagiherhtdoetoenjoyeaaybethehought,thingsotheyhadoncebeen.

    itethatshesaattheirbranesoverlappedandrequiredallaboration,soitdidntsurprisehertoseetheinihehroughtheenuroustis;theydaltenalohefactthatlindaenyearsyoungerandsiiherestaurantthatshenoticedthetenderheyeachother.andshekaintytheyhetable.

    foralongnt,adrieoodfrozeninpla,shetuedaroundandheadedoutbeforetheyhadacetoseeher.

    indenial,sheokedjaealthatnightandntiohingaboute,sheistakenabout.ybelindaeaingher,jackhat.

    ...

    台湾小说网  www.192.tw栗子小说    m.lizi.tw小说站  www.xsz.tworybe,shethought,ithadaanindandnothingelse.

    butitarriagebeganspiralingdoonths,jackaskedforadivorce.heeantforittohappen,andhehopedsheovedout.

    noovedon,butadriennefounditiossibletodo.thoughtheyhadjoilysheosdaily.atnight,sheoftenllapsedifounditiossibletosleepbeind.

    andthoughsheoldanyone,shesotisiginedbaohatdeepdown,shewouldprobablysayyes.

    shehatedherselfforthat,butuldshedo

    shedidntesuffeeehthekids.

    thathedthroeananythingdidntshedidnttheeighteeogetherandanyadelove,shedbeentheooinitiateit.iftheurgeethingaboutitorarriedsolong,thereosthadbeenreeeroranotheroresthatevehierestingtotalkabout,butdidntheuandthatihingohappenhlinda

    ituaspartyhostedbyaupleshedknoallsouthetohingslikethatbutadrienneuldnthelpbutfeelbetrayed.

    beyoarayal,sheovedout.roenintheirforties,andthoseanshehadbaggage,andshedidntthiotearoundahaallyoutlinedasetoftraitssheeoelligentandkindandattra,shesuspeen.

    boy,wassheeverwrong.

    ithreeyears,shehadntbeeatall,andlatelyshedetobelievethatsheneveroingpapereoneneforher,itjustinthecards.

    andthen,ofurse,therehefinancialworries.

    jae,butitakee.despitethefaanyuples,theydspentyearsostofarket,theyilyintheneighborhoodtohaveoheirho.shedalejobatthelocallibrary.thoughshesoherorthechildren,sheher.

    ayearafterthedivororeinrapidsuthesettlenttoveranotheryear,butafterthat,shedidntknoejobshedtakenatthelibrary.ohanainderaspayntforherhelp.adrienneappreciatedthat,butcharityfroriendshurtherpride.

    hough,etisfeltheeightehingshedidordidntdo.

    eofher

    adrienneshookherhead,for,shefeltthea

    ...

    台湾小说网  www.192.tw小说站  www.xsz.tw栗子网  www.lizi.twsddleagedandalone,overiddle.herkidsrugglihersurehookeepgoing.

    thatier,e.

    paulhadseenpeoplees,he,aionandstill,thesotionalnatureofhiseeranyofthefacesofthoseforahingthatheit,butithepersonhehadoncebeen.

    butatthisnt,ashelookedintotheredriedeyesoftheanontheporiliarground.hisfirstinstinpossible.itghthavebeeingorthefactthatshepathypletelyoffguard.

    nothavingexpebarrassntatbeingile,shedabbedathertears,tryingtopreteoisten.

    asshetuedtofacehihohelpbutstare.

    itedalsttranslut,buttherethatshedneverseenbeforeinanyoneelse.

    heknoe,shesuddenlythought.oruldknoeifigavehice.

    asquie,shedisssedthethinkingtheidiculous.no,shedecided,thereanstandingbeforeher.heplytheguestjeanhadtoldherabout,andsinceshehadhedesk,hedelookingforher;thatintherangersoftendo.

    thoughheaybefivetenorso,heeoedshort,andthereorethanthat.

    justthen,paulseedtorealizehesorry,”herred,“ididntantointerrupt.”hetionedoverhisshoulder.“ille.”

    adrienneshookherhead,tryingtoputhitease.“itsokay.iinginanyway.”

    ,shecaughthiseyesasendti.theyery,asthoughheethingsadbuttryingtohideit.shereachedforherffeecup,usingitasanexcusetotuaway.

    togoahead.asheovedbehindthedesk.shecheckedthenainthereservationhookandglancedup.

    “paulflanner,right“yourestayingfivenights,andoing”

    “yes.”hehesitated.“isitpossibletogetarooavieheo”

    adriennepulledouttheregistrationfor“sure.asupstairs.youretheonlyguestscheduledthisweekend.”

    “end”

    “theyreallifi.”

    “theblueroo

    “itsgotthedarkesttoahepenbesideit.“uldyousignhere”

    “sure.”

    adriehinkingashesighathishandstan,buthisventseasured.heattered.

    paulsetasidethepenandsherea,kingsurehedfilleditoutrrekey,hesitated,theedtore.

    “okay,here,”shesaid.“youreadytoseeyour

    roo

    “please.”

    paulsteppedbackasshedehercatchup.shetioo.

    “ihaveffeeandsookiesrightoverthere.idethepotanho,soitshouldstillhefreshforawhile.”

    “isaein.thankyou.”

    atthetopofthesteps,adrienued,herhandstillrestingonthebalustrade.theresupstairs:ohefrontofthehouseandthreethatfabers:

    bodie,hatteras,andasthenasoflighthousesaloerbanks.

    “youtakeyourpick,”adriennesaid.“ibroughtallthreekeysincaseyoulikeanotheroer.”

    paullookedfronerooothe.“”

    “oh,thatsjusticallit:jeancallsitthebodiesuite.”

    “jean“

    “shestheojustgtheplacewhileshesgone.”

    thestrapsoftheduffelbagsasadrienneunlo,feelingtheduffelhagbuagainstherashewedgedby.

    paulglanagipleandotelroothereovetheair.inthefarer,nearalargepaintingofthebodielighthouse,thereedledtothebathrooalongthenearsiheinnhadbeenbuilt.

    ucheverythingintedvariousshadesofblue:thethron

    ...

    小说站  www.xsz.tw小说站  www.xsz.tw栗子网  www.lizi.twthefloorforteranderskies.eventhephoheappearaoy.

    “doyouthink”

    “itsdefinitelyblue,”hesaid.

    “doyous”

    paulsettheduffelbagsonthefloorashelookedoutthewindow.

    “no,thisokayifiopenthehoughitskindofstuffyinhere.”

    “goahead.”

    paul,flippedthelatanytisovertheyears,theussknotandflex.

    sheclearedherthroat.

    “iguessyoushouldknoyfirstties,butalethingsnht,dontthinkte.”

    paultuedaround,hhisbacktotheglass,hisfeaturesinshadows.

    “iotnottoopickythesedays.”

    adriennesledasshepulledthekeyfrohedoor.“okay,thingsyoushouldkogooverthese.theresaakeaore,justletknostotakeforever,thehoteoutofthenozzle.iprose.”

    adrienneileasshe

    on.

    “andunlesseohisnotexpeeknoakeyousothingthatyouuldtakehyou.”

    “thanks.”

    shepaused,herndseargforanythiosay.

    “oh,ohing.beforeyouusethephone,youshouldknoakelocalcalls.ifyoutodiallongdistance,youllhavetouseacallingcardorcalllledyoullhavetoghtheoperator.”

    “okay.”

    shehesitatedinthedelseyouoknow”

    “ithinkthatjustaboutversit.except,ofurse,fortheobvious.”

    “sthat”

    “youhaventtoldyouayet.”

    shesetthekeyontheadrienne.adriennewillis.”

    paul,andsurprisingher,heofferedhishand.

    “you,adrienne.”

    six

    paulhadetorodaherequestofroberttorrelson,andasheunpainthedraorifheexpeostofthetalking.

    jilltorrelsoohieathebridgeofheoseaheingabulbouspurpless,punaersfrohoseheoperation,expressinghohankfultheyheddone.

    hedgoathousandtis,ailldidntknoed,uldsedshedhadaneolisfsosort,buttheyuldfindnoevidenedication,butthoseinationbytheronerhadfoundnothingoutoftheordinaryighthavebeeaiallyresponsibleforherdeath.

    thevideotapehadnfirdit.becausetheningiooutofstate.again,nothingiss.

    thereedientiohereport.jilltorrelsone,sheyhaveneededaronarybypass.shehaddiabetesand,asalifelohebeginningsofehyse,thoughagaiherofthesenditionsseedlifethreateningatpresent,aheradequatelyexplainedhadhappened.

    jilltorrelson,itseed,haddiedfooreasonatall,asifgodhadsilycalledherho.

    likesonyothersinhissituation,roberttorrelsonhadfiledaedpaul,thehospital,andtheahesiologistasdefendants.paul,likestsurgeons,alpractisurance.

    asary,he.

    theotionstouttheprocessandrunupthests,hedpaintedableakpictureofpanyexpectedroberttorrelsouallydropthesuit.

    itroberttorrelsontonthsago.

    hedidittorecallhadbeenten.

    deardr.flanner,

    iportantto.

    please.

    roberttorrelson

    atthebottoftheletter,hedlefthisaddress.

    afterreadingit,paulhadshotoig.sohadhisforrlleaguesatthehospital.justletitgo,theydsaid.ohisisover,eetingifhestillstotalk.

    butthereethinginthesilepleaaboveroberttorrelsolyscraurethathad

    ...

    小说站  www.xsz.tw台湾小说网  www.192.tw栗子网  www.lizi.twgottentopaul,andhedde.

    tohisnd,hedigoonythingsalready.

    paulputonhisjaadehishesideofthehouse.

    onthebea,hetuckedhishandsintohisjacketandbohebreezenipathischeeks,

    theskyrendedhifthosehedseeninbaltirebeforesnosthattiheoving,floatinghitfullforce.

    hetesastheyllided.theairoistandchilly.glangoverhisshoulder,hesasight.

    heorrooihought.thestorstofthe,andinlightofthestoronedayightbedoightbeflooding,orroberttorrelsonghthetakingcareofath.

    paulhadneverbeeninrodanthebefore,buthedidntthinkitorethaestofindthehouse.thetoorethas,andheuldhelengthofthetohanhalfanhour.

    afterafeihesand,paultuedandstartedkinghispseofadriennehewindowagain.

    hersle,hethought.helikedhersle.

    froheadehisthebeach.

    sheintherightsthatjeanhadrended,butnoiftherehinginparticularthatheedtoeat.

    hisvisitintriguedher.shekhatrateifsheuldstayoperaweek.

    heeanoreoorelax.

    hehadntntiohatheily,either,sothatantheake,thereucloseddoheeranyway.

    sheingupthebahisfeetoutsidethedoor.

    antlater,thebackdooropenedhasqueak,andpaulothekit.asheshruggedoffhisjacket,shenoticedthatthetipofhisuedred.

    “1thiettiuresdroppedatleasttendegreessihising.”

    adrieaboxofcroutonsintothecupboardandlookedoverhershoulderassheanswered.

    “iknoostenergyeffies.iuldactuallyfeeltheinginthroughthehavebetterher.”

    paulrubbedhisar.“thatstheup.”

    “itghtbealittlestalebynoakeafreshpot.itllonlytakeafeinutes.”

    “youind”

    “notatall.ithinkiulduseooo.”

    “thankyou.justletputjaandup,andillberightbackdown.”

    hesledatherbeforeheleftthekitaboveher.

    thoughshedknotohealohehouse.oralone,period.sure,thekidshadtheiroetoherselfnoont.besides,theyily.iteasthesituationsheeoneelseslife,olysureoftherules.

    shedeacupofffeeforherselfandpouredtherestintothesilverpot.sheingdohestairs.

    “justinti,”shesaid.“ffeesready.etogetthefiregoing”

    aspaulehesittingrooshecaughtatraceoflogne.hereachedaroundherforacup.

    “no,thatsokay.iortable.ybelater.”

    shenoddedandtookasllstepbag,illbei.”

    “ithoughtyousaidyouedacup.”

    “ialreadypouredone.ileftitoer.”

    helookedup.“yourenotgoingtojoin”

    thereethingexpetintheedhertostay.

    shehesitated.jeanakingslltalketi,sheteredbyhisoffer,thoughshesurewhy.

    “isupposeiuld,”shefinallysaid.“justletgetcup.”

    bythetishedretued,paulbedthroughbooks,thishadalintheinn.thereallstackofrdhefireplacealon

    ...

    小说站  www.xsz.tw栗子小说    m.lizi.tw栗子小说    m.lizi.twgisingazyeveningily.

    paulakingthesandblooheseinsileryingnottofeelnervous.

    paultuedtosgoingtobloorrow”heasked.

    adrienneranherhandthroughherhair.“idoubtit.thisplacehasbeenhereforsixtyyears,andithasntblo.”

    “haveyoueverbeenhereduringaerabigone,ian,liketheoheyreexpeg”

    “no.butjeanhas,soithere,soybeshesusedtoit.”

    assheansselfevaluatingher.youngerbyafe,herfigureagazines.shehadaslightbuonheose,croaroundhereyes,andherskinhadreachedthatsoftpointihandage,befravitybegantotakeitstoll.

    “andyousaidshesafriend”

    “etinllegeyearsago.jeanyrooates,andadearrase,sinceshehadanoutoftooattend.”

    “butyoudontlivehere”

    “no,iliveinrot.haveyoueverbeenthere”

    “nytis.iusedtopassthroughontripstogreenville.”

    athisans.shetookasipofffeeandlohecuptoherlap.

    “iknoybusiness,”shesaid,“butiaskjustcurious.”

    paulshiftedinhiseone.”

    “thatsalongodrivetohaveaion.”

    “ididnthavechofachoice.heeetinperson.”

    hisvoiote,andforant,heseedlostinthought.inthesilence,adrienneuldheartheheflagoutfront.

    paulsethisffeeoablebet.

    “doyoudo”hefinallyasked,hisvoigagain.“besidesgbedandbreakfastsforfriends”

    “ihepubliclibrary.”

    “youdo”

    “yousoundsurprised.”

    “iguessiaiexpeethingdifferent.”

    “like”

    “tobeho,iotsure.justnotthat.youdontlookoldenoughtohealibrarian.heyreallintheirsixties.”

    shesled.“itsonlypartti.ihavethreekids,soidothehing,too.”

    “hohey”

    “eighteeeen,andfifteen.”

    “dotheykeepyoubusy”

    “no,notreally.aslongasipbyfiveanddontgotobeduntildnight,itsnottoobad.”

    hechuckledunderhisbreath,andadrieherselfbeginningtorelax.“hoyoudoyouhavechildren”

    “justone.ason.”foranthiseyesdropped,buthecabacktain.“hesadoctorinecuador.”

    “helivesthere”

    “forthetibeing.hesvolunteeringhisservieraldas.”

    “youstbeproudofhi”

    “ia”hepaused.“buttoheho,hesthavegottenthatfroyyexoreherdoingthanne.”

    adrienhatsohear.”

    ““

    “thatyoustillappreean.idonthearalotofpeoplesayingthosethingsaftertheysplitup.usually,alkabouttheirexes,alltheybringuparethethingsthathebadthingstheotherpersondid.”

    paulpersonalexperience,guessingthatshewas.

    “tellaboutyourkids,adrieheyliketodo”

    adrienookanothersipofherffee,thinkinghosayinghea.

    “kidsoh,,andno.andalovesdra,aightgooutfortotryoutsinplastsuer.”

    paulraisedhiseyebropressive.”

    “isayitothersdoing,”shequipped.

    “e”

    shesled.“ofurse,thosearejusttheirgoodparts.haditoldyouabouttheirodsessyroo,youdprobablythinki.”

    paulsled.“idoubtit.idthinkisthatyoueenagers.”

    “ihatyourson,theiousdoctor,throughallthis,too,soishouldntlosehope”

    “iurehedid.”

    “youdontknohough”

    “notreally.”hepaused.“iuylifeuch.”

    sheuldtellitissionforhiandshe.beforesheuldd,thephahtuedatthesound.

    “excuse,”shesaid,risingfroerseat,“ihavetogetthat.”

    paulediorandsensibility.adrienne,hee,ybeevenbyher.

    heuldtellthatshehadbeennervouseditoiress,kingsuretheysaidtherightthings,shobledon,asiftheyvieorebthanahloedtoapplytoadrienne.

    aoadt,iteone.durifeonths,hedalteatedbetealoneorfendingoffquestionsastohenaofagoodtherapistandhatthepersonhadhelpedthepaulhadgroiredofexplainingthatheknehewas

    ...

    栗子网  www.lizi.tw栗子小说    m.lizi.tw台湾小说网  www.192.twdoingandthatheoretiredofthelooksofheyofferedinresponse.

    butthereethingaboutadrienhatdehieelsheattered.buteither.

    seven

    afeier,paulputhisetythetray,thencarriedthetraytothekit.

    adrienne.shehertoellshethetrayoer.

    “yes,igotyouote...uhhuh..yes,hesalreadycheckedin.thereean,hht.

    youree....enjoythewedding....goodbye.”

    paultinghisthesinkuedaround.

    “youdidnthavetthatin,”shesaid.

    “iknoingthisedtofindoutwewerehavingfordinner.”

    “areyougettinghungry”

    paultuedonthefaucet.“alittle.butifyoudrather.”

    “inghungry,too.”then,seeihat.youretheguest.”

    paulvedasideforherasadriennejoinedhiearthesink.sherihecupsandpotasshespoke.

    “yourakeuaranteeoreopenthisweekend.”

    “anythingsfine,youpick.”

    “chiitsalreadythawed.”

    “sure.”

    “andihinkingofhavingpotatoesandgreenbeansontheside.”

    “soundsgreat.”

    shedriedherhandshapapertohenreachedfortheapronthathehaheoven.slippingitoverherser,sheon.

    “areyouiedinsalad,too”

    “ifyourehaviifnot,thatsokay,too.”

    shesled.“boy,youkiddingpicky.”

    “ttoisthataslongasidonthavetookit,illeatjustaboutanything.”

    “youdontliketook”

    “neverreallyhadto.rthaexuchbeeingouteverynight.”

    “etorestaurantstandards.inotaoreiedinquantity,ninality.”

    “iureitllbefine.idbegladtogiveyouahand,though.”

    sheglahisurprisedbytheoffer.“onlyifyouto.ifyoudratherrelaxupstairsorread,iletyouknosready.”

    heshookhishead.“ididntbringanythingtoread,andifiliedobeabletosleeptonight.”

    shehesitated,nsideringhisofferbeforefinallytioningtohedooronthefarsideofthekit.“hanks.youstartbypeeliatoes.theyreiryrightoverthere,sendshelf,otherice.”

    paulheadedforthepantry.assheopeherefrigeratetthetheerofhereye,thinkingitpliedfaliaritytoitthatleftherslightlyoffbalance.

    “isthereanythingtodrink”paulbehindher,“intherefrigerator,ian”

    adriennepushedasideafesbeforelookingonthe

    bottohelf.therehreebottleslyingontheirsides,heldinplacebyajarofpickles.

    “doyoulikewine”

    “kindisit”

    shesetthechioer,thenpulledohebottlesout.

    “itsapinio.isthatokay”

    “iveriedit.iusuallygohachardonnay.haveyou”

    “no.”

    heoer,hereaontbeforelookingup.

    “soundsokay,saysitsgothintsofapplesandes,sohoightfindarkscrew”

    “ithinkisaecheck.”

    adrienhedra,feelingherfingersbrushagainsthis.ovedtherkaofftotheside.hangingbeloovedto.hetookoaated.

    “etopouryouaglass”

    “”shesaid,stillfeelingthesensationofhistouch.

    paulpouredtelledthee.astheflaveredonthebaakesehings.

    “doyouthink”heasked.

    “itsgood.”

    “thatseerthis.”

    adriehesuddeoretreatandtookasllstepbackegetstartedonthechi.”

    “iguessthatssignaltogettowork.”

    asadriennefoundtheroastingpaheoven,paulsethisglassoerahesink.aftertuingonthefaucet,hesoapedandscrubbedhishands.shenoticedthatheperaturesheed,ahegasclicktolife.

    “isthereapeelerhandy”heasked.

    “iuldntfindoneearlier,soithinkyoullhavetouseaparingkhatokay”

    paullaughedunderhisbreath.“ithinkiha.isurgeon,”hesaid.

    assoonashesaidtheovedbesideherandrea.

    “youpractiraleigh”sheasked.

    “iusedto.isoldpracticelastnth.”

    “youretired”

    “inaheadingofftojoinson.”

    “inecuador”

    “ifhedasked,ihesouthoffraidoubthee.”

    shesled.“dotheyever”

    “no.butthenagain,ididntlistentofather,either.itsallpartofgrowingup,iguess.”

    foraheroftheaidanything.adrienneaddedassortedspiovingeffi

    ...

    栗子网  www.lizi.tw栗子网  www.lizi.tw台湾小说网  www.192.twtly.

    “itakeitjeans,”hented.

    sheglahi“hoell”

    “justthequietonthephone.ifiguredsheellingyouobedoogetthehouseready.”

    “youreprettyperceptive.”

    “isitgoingtobehardian,idbegladtohelpifyou.”

    “beye.andtobeho,heallthatgood,either.”

    “itsaedskill,ivealindasking,hoed”

    shesuresheedtotalkaboutthis,butsurprisedherselfbyansweringanyway.

    “threeyears.buthedbeengoneforayearbeforethat.”

    “dothekidslivehyou”

    “stoftheti.rightnoheyreonschoolbreak,sotheyrevisitingtheirfather.hobeenforyou”

    “justafeonths.itoctober.butshehat,too.”

    “sheheone”

    paulnodded.“yeah,butitorefaultthanhers.ie,agotfedupething.”

    adriennesedoverhisansanstandioherseednothinglikethedescribed.“kinderydidyoudo”

    afterhetoldher,shelookedup.paulon,asifanticipatiions.

    “igotintoitbeorenosejobsisixnthsthanieveriginedpossible.”

    “doineeddone”sheaskedplayfully.heshookhishead.“nothingatall.”

    “seriously.”

    “iaeingserious.igeathing.”

    “really”

    heraisedtshonor.”

    “”

    shelaughedbutfelthercheeksreddenanyhankyou.”

    “youree.”

    hechier,thehesink.

    “”

    “therearetotoesandcucuersforthesaladintherefrigerator.”

    paulvedaroundher,opehedoor,andfoundtheadrienneuldsllhislognelingeringinthesllspacebet.

    “ount”heasked.

    adriees,shesettledintothetypeofother,shentiohehorseherfatherhadboughtforheroreaboutresponsibilitythananythingsheddoothatpoint.herllegeyearsentionedhopedintojackatafrateitypartyduringhersenioryear.theyddatedfortookhervohthebeliefitforever.shedtrailedoffthen,shakingherheadslightly,ahetopictoherchildren,notingtodhedivorce.

    asshespoke,paulthreationonherfaadehile.

    dusk.adriehetableaspauladdedsoreealheytooktheirplacesatthetable.

    overdiostofthetalking.paultoldherabouthis,desediehespentrunningeofhisearliervisitstotheouterbanks.eriesofhisfather,adrienneellinghinutesheheldbaebeiherohegoahanthat.

    bythetitheyfinisheddihebeforethestorpaulbroughtthedishestothesinkasadrieoredtheleftoversintherefrigerator.thepty,thetideingin,andthefirstigesoflightniisteroanthorizon,kingtheeoneeeringthisnightforever.

    eight

    afterhelpihedishes,paulohebackdoor,

    “eforastrollonthebeach”heasked.“itlookslikeaniight.”

    “isntitgettingld”

    “iureitis,butihavethefeelingitllhethelastceforaupleofdays.”

    adrienneglatheayandfinishinguptherestofthekit,butthatuld,right

    “sure,”sheagreed,“justletgetajacket.”

    adriennesroohatjeanhadaddedonadozenyearsago.itsinthehouseandhadabathroohathadbeendesignedaroundalargejaeokeherselffeelbetter.“sandthatadriennesse.

    frohecloset,adrierievedherjacket,thengrabbedherscarf.eshedretuedtothekit,paulingforherhhisaton.

    “youready”heasked.

    shefoldedupthellaronherjacket.“letsgo.butihavetonotarealbigfanofldysouthebloodsalittlethin.”

    “weise.”

    hesledastheysteppedoutside,andadrienneflippedthelightsihesteps.heyheadedoverthelopadheersedge.

    thereicbeautytotheevening;theairheflavo

    ...

    栗子小说    m.lizi.tw小说站  www.xsz.tw栗子小说    m.lizi.twrofsalthungi.onthehorizon,lightning,kingthecloudsblink.assheglahatdire,shenoticedthatpauledtistereverything.

    “haveyoueverseenthatbefhtninglikethat”heasked.

    “notihappenseverynohen.”

    “itsfrohefrontsingtogether.isaakesthinkthisstoingtobebiggerthantheyrepredig.”

    “ihopeyourewrong.”

    “ightbe.”

    “butyoudoubtit.”

    heshrugged.“letsjustsayhadiknoing,iriedtoreschedule.”

    “why”

    “iotabigfanofstoranyre.doyoureerhurriehazelin1954”

    “sure,butioreexcitedthanscaredounthitthathard,oratleastoueighborhood.”

    “yourelucky.ieandiing,afethoughtiteintoit.”

    “isntthateashore”

    “ly,butiteostofthepeoplehadevacuatedtheisland,butadeourakingsuchabigdealaboutit.afterafeesandtherainingdo.butilesanhour,agettihingthatuldkillusagine.rainsurgehit,itoontoboot,andthebiggestingin,htafterthe.luckily,thebeach,butesersexplodehtafterthe,ahelineslandedhecar.itesbestthingieverdid.”

    adriennehadnttakenhereyesfroishespoke.

    “youreluckyyoulived.”

    “iknow.”

    ohatlookedlikesoapbubblesinachildsbath.

    “iveoldthatstorybefore,”paulfinallyadded.“toanyone,ian.”

    “”

    “beeoneelse.youdhavetokouand.iystudies.”

    shelaughed.“idoubtthat.”

    “itstrue.ididnt.”

    astheyesbehindthedunes.nohtsheshadohestruckherasaghosttown.

    “doyoundifitellyousothing”sheasked.“ian,idontyoutotakeitthewrongway.”

    “i.”

    theytookafeepsasadrienneledhherwords.

    “eoneelse.yousayyouusedtoueastoryinjusttryingtofigureitout.”

    paulhesitated,hedidnthavetoexplainhielf,nottoher,nottoaashereallykno,inallhisntradis.

    “yht,”hebegan,“becauseiaalkingaboutte.orpaulflahehusbandandfatheotanyofthosethings.rightnojusttryingtofigureoutbeginningtoheanswer.”

    “ithinkeveryohatetis.butnotnypeopleovetoecuadorasaresult.”

    “isthatgoing”

    they.“no,”shesaid,“guessisthatyoingsoyougettoknowyourson.”

    adriennesahesurpriseonhisface.

    “itentionedhillnight.butifyouthinkitllhelp,theniladyoing.”

    hesled.“arkknow.”

    “hellgetoverit.”

    “youthinkso”

    “ihopeso.thatsyselfhavingtroubleykids.”

    paulgaveashortlaughandtionedoverhisshoulder.“youtoheadback”heasked.

    “iyearsaregettingld.”

    theycircledback,follooonblingofthunder.

    “wasyourexhusbandlike”

    “jack”shehesitated,atter.justhappeobeeoneelsearried.”

    “iorry.”

    “soa.orisjustohosethings.itrynottothinkaboutit.”

    paulreeredthetearshedseenearlier.“doesthatwork”

    “no,butikeeptrying.ian,elseido”

    “youuldaloecuador.”

    sherolledhereyes.“yeah,ehoandsaysothinglikesorry,kids,youreonyourostakingoffforaebeing,iindofstuck.atleastuntiltheyreallinllege.rightnouch

    ...

    台湾小说网  www.192.tw台湾小说网  www.192.tw栗子小说    m.lizi.twstabilityastheyget.”

    “soundslikeyoodther.”

    “itry.kidsdontalhinkso,though.”

    “lookatitthisheyhavetheiroyourrevenge.”

    “oh,iplanonit.ivealreadybeenpra.sureyoustayuplate...

    paulsledagain,thinkinghouchhe,shelookedbeautiful,andheher.

    theydetheirlostinthought,takinginthesoundsandsights,herfeelingtheospeak.

    therefortinthat,adrienhought.toonypeopleseedtobelievethatsilehenhadbeeninutesohereeoneelseoutthere,sooneshedidntknoakialkagreed.

    here,onthebeaingintoalstregnizableiges,thenvanishingfroight.theoedtorealizethattalkingnoehoall.

    theypanionablesilethatsoodd,hearytravelersenjoyiedstretchofsandinanosidevillagecalledrodanthe.

    heyreachedthehouse,theysteppedihekitandslippedofftheirjackets.adriennehunghersorackbesidethedooralonghherscarf;paulhunghisbesideit.

    adriennebroughtherhandstogetherandble,seeingpaullooktoheclock,thenarou,asifherheshouldcallitanight.

    “hoethingtodrink”sheofferedquickly.“ibreofdecal.”

    “doyouhaveanytea”heasked.

    “ithinkisaeearlier.letcheck.”

    sheovedassoodstotheside,likiogether.aboxrey,paulnoddedile.shevedaroundhiogetthekettle,thenadded.

    theytooktheirplahadoreihedarkness.

    astheydraea,theytalkedforanotherhouraboutthisandthat,theeasyionofcasualfriends.inti,though,astheeveningaboutherfatherandthefearsshehadforthefuture.

    paulhadheardsilarsont,theydbeenjustthat:stories,hisparehinghehavetoface.

    “istheresothingido”heoffered.“ikno.”

    “thankyoufortheoffer,butno,ivedohat.thelaststrokereallysethiack.evenifthereethingthatghthelpalittle,idontthinktheresanycethatheuldfunhoutroundtheclockcare.”

    “areyougoingtodo”

    “idontknohopingjaight.heandfatherepositionsoipayforit.”

    “tthestatedoanything”

    assoonashesaidtheheranswerwouldhe.

    “heghtbeeligibleforassistanareaupleofhoursaregularly.asogoodpla.”

    shepaused,herthoughtsflashiallpartyattheplantforhiahinkingthatheissgoingineveryday.hedstarted,hetookonlytaboutit,hesaidheissitatall.thathehadbigplansnohathewasfinished.”

    adriennesexpressionsoftened.“eahegrandkids,hhisbooks,orhfriends.hedeservedafeerallhedbeenthrough,andthen..

    shetrailedoffbeforeetingpaulseyes.“youifyouthievennow.”

    “iureie”

    adriennesled.“dadlikeseveryone.beforehisstrokes,thereoreenjoyabletohihanlisteningtopeopletalkandleaing.evenstraheythingstheyeerst,though”

    paulraisedhiseyebroly.

    “itethingheusedtosayto,eversine,iroudofyou.”

    sheent.“idontknooved.isthaveheardthelliontis,buteverytihesaidthetheyleftenotteraboutit.buteventhen,ushyinside.”

    paulsled.“hesoundslikearerkablen.”

    “heis,”shesaid,andsatupstr

    ...

    栗子小说    m.lizi.tw栗子小说    m.lizi.tw栗子网  www.lizi.twaighterinhere,andnotonlyisthelikeapersonthere,notjustapatient.hedeservesaplacelikethat,anditstheleastido.”

    “hesluckyhehasyouasadaughterto.”

    “iusorry.”

    “noreasontobesorry.iladyoudid.”

    ile,sheleanedforissthestaboutbeingrried”

    “itakeithesubject.”

    “ifigureditutoshare.”

    “itstheleastiulddo”

    sheshrugged.“sothingalongthoselines.noyguts,itsyourtu.”

    paulgaveaeuntillate,andsotisrthaednaturalandreassuring,likethehingsshouldbe.hoyou”

    adrieherteathetablebet.

    “theusualthings.soootalkto,tosharealsoingkissesbeforeeitherofushadbrushedourteeth,buttobeho,reissingthanrightnoisshavingjaoorethantheyneedadad,butasteeheyheirdads.espeenarejerksily,buthoigoingtoteachherthatifheroherdidit”

    “idontknow.”

    adrienneshookherhead.“donthinkabout

    thosethings

    “thegoodonesdo.likeihingelse.”

    “hoarried”

    “thirtyyears.you”

    “eighteen.”

    “bethethinkout,huh”

    “ore.”

    “no,iguessyht.”

    frohehalle.readytotuin.earlydaytorrow.”

    “ikhing.”

    buttheydiduprightaorenutesesileheydsharedonthebeach.occasionally,heglao.

    herchairandpoiogoingthatway.”

    hesledashehaover.“ihadagoodtitonight.”

    “sodidi.”

    antlater,adriennechedaspaulheadedupthestairsbeforeshetuedaheinn.

    inherroosheslippedoutofheras.asshedid,sheirror.nottoobad,butletsbehohereshelookedherage.paul,shethought,hadbeenshingdone.

    ithadbeenalongtisinadeherfeelattraasandind;sheuldseetheouthfordintoaileethinghefoundhurous.foranhour,shetossedandtued,uosleep,gropletelyunaupstairs,paulflahing.

    nine

    despiteoinglight,pauliretgtheachefroisbody.

    soing.thereetalgray.idafteoon.

    hesatontheedgeofthebedasheslippedintohisrunnihehedraovedarapairofsoierheupbeforehevedintoasteadierpace.

    froerbedrooadrienneheardhiesdthecreakingsteps.sittingup,shepushedofftheversandslippedherfeetintoapairofslippers,effeereadyforpauladetheoffer.

    outside,paulssclesandjointsoloosenandhequiedhisstride,itanyhepacehedruninhistiesorthirties,butiteadyandrefreshing.

    runninghadneverbeensilyexer.hedreaoreeojogfivelesthanitdidtoreadthepaper.instead,hevieofditatiohefeesheuldbealone.

    itoingtorun.thoughithadrainedduringthenightandheuldseedropsohavepassedthroughtheareaquiistlihedaovedinghostlyproonesllhotothe.heeofroberttorrelsoninstead.heranalongthehighhroughdoohehefirster,hiseyestakinginthese.

    iion,rodantheodelifehadbeensloing.everyhoadeofeall,inthespring,heuldseeevidenallholeseatenahe

    ...

    栗子小说    m.lizi.tw小说站  www.xsz.tw栗子小说    m.lizi.twher,painthadpeeled,tinroofssofeverydaylifeinthispartoftheengines,fishingsusedasderation,ropesandsusedtokeepstrabay.

    sohosorethanshaover.insostokeeptheroiviely:eblocksorstackedbricks;tbelochopsticks.

    butthereesthatlookedabandoned.asheran,hesaokebillochieysandenandenveringringhadbeguntofilltheair.

    hetuedattheblock,checkedthestreetsign,andranoeslater,hetuedontothestreetberthirtyfour.

    hepassedeeashejoggedby,theireyesontlater,hereae,tryingnottobeobviousasheglao.

    itelikestoftheothersaloreet:

    lyeatebetanandnatureintheirbattleoverthehouse.atleasthalfaturyold,thehouseshadstreakedtheaslights.

    toalloutbuildingtheshaded,carryingabucket.

    thefigurestaring.itavisit,nordidhetodothisinrunningclothes.instead,heraisedhisagainstthebreeze,tuedattheer,andtriedtofindhisearlierpace.

    itageofthenstayed,kinghieelsluggish,eaehefiherehinsheenofsonhisface.

    hetheroad,heuldseethatthelightihadbeentuedon.

    k,hesled.

    ,gladtheyee.

    thoughherfatheruldntansadearraohavegail,ohenurses,ans,andshedpickeduponthesendring.

    “rightonti,”gailsaid.“iinute.”

    “hooday”

    “hesalittletired,butotherthanthat,hesfine.holdonthephonebyhisear,okay”

    antlater,hersraspybreaths,adrienneclosedhereyes.

    “hi,daddy,”shestarted,andforseveralnutesshevisited,justasshe.shetoldhibouttheinnandthebeaentionpaul,sheetrerinhervoie.

    pauldehisaofbanfilledtheair,asifinghio.antlater,adriennepushedthroughtheswingingdoors.

    sheoinglight,theyofcrystalskiesinspring.

    “youugaloosestrandofhairbehindherear.

    topaul,thegestureseedoddlysensual,andheyrunoutoftheherestofthedaystarts.”

    “diditgookay”

    “ivefeltbetter,butatleastitsdone.”heshiftedfrototheother.“itsllsgreatiheway.”

    “istartedbreakfastotionedoverhershoulder.“doyoutoeatnoalittle”

    “idliketosho,ifthatsokay.”

    “itsfine.iakinggrits,inutesanyys”

    “scraled”

    “ithinkiontlonger.“letgetthebanbeforeitbus,”shefinallysaid.“seeyouinafew”

    “sure.”

    afterbedthestepstohisrooshakinghishead,thinkinghoeon.

    heshoovedaroundher,heineshaooshedusedonherhairthating.

    “ihopeyoudontndifijoinyouagain,”shesaid.

    paulpulledoutherchair,“notatall.infact,iotionedforhertosit.

    shelethiushhereigotthere.”

    “iotsurprised.thereoing.iguesseveryonessgoingtobetoday.”

    “itdoesntlookitdidyesterday.”

    “thatsbecauseyoudontlivehere.”

    “youdontlivehere,either.”

    “no,butivebeeninabigstorefore.infaeiington”

    adriennelaughed.“andyousoldthatstory.”

    “iguessitsingeasieoyonegoodstory.everythingelseisb.”

    “idoubtthat.fro,ihinkingthatyourlifehasbeenanythingbutb.”

    hesled,unsureifshem

    ...

    栗子网  www.lizi.tw台湾小说网  www.192.tw小说站  www.xsz.tweantitasaplint,butpleasednoheless.

    “didjeansayhadtobedooday”

    adriennesopedoutsoeggsandpassedthebo.

    “ehooksyoudropihenplace;afterthat,hthatissupposedtobestackedhthehurrieguards.”

    “shehasaladder,ihope.”

    “itsuhehouse,too.”

    “itdoesntsoundtoobad.butlikeisaidyesterday,idbehappytohelpyouhitafterigetback.”

    shelookedathi“yousureyoudonthavetodothis.”

    “itsnobother.idonthaveanythingelseplanned,anypossiblefortositiheguest.”

    “thankyou.”

    “noproble”

    theyfinishedservingup,pouredtheffee,andstartedeating.paulontarilyabsorbediask.inthegrayinglight,shety,eveierthanhedrealizedthedaybefore.

    “yoingtotalktothatpersonyountioned

    yesterday“

    paulnodded.“afterbreakfast,”hesaid.

    “youdontsoundtoohappyaboutit.”

    “idontkobehappyoot.”

    “why”

    afterthebriefesthesitatiooldheraboutjillandroberttorrelsontheoperatioopsy,andallthathadhappeheafterth,inail.edtobestudyinghi

    “andyouhavenoideahes”

    “iassuitssothingaboutthela.”

    adriennesosureaboutthat,butshesaidnothing.instead,shereachedforherffee.

    “atterark.”

    hedidntsayanything,butthen,hedidnthaveto.thefactthatsheuoodorethanenough.

    itanyohesedays,andthoughhedtheronlythedaybefore,hesehatsohobetterthanstpeopledid.

    orybe,hethought,betterthananyone.

    ten

    afterbreakfast,paulgotintohistheporch,adriennelutlater,paullookedoverhisshoulderandbeganbagoutofthedrive.

    hereachedtorrelsonsstreeties;thoughheuldhaveeetingstartedtogobadly.thoughhesuretoexpect,hedecidedheelltorrelsohingthathadhappenedhregardtotheoperationbutspeculateonhadcausedherdeath.

    hesloonttopreparehielf,hegotoutandstarteduptheringapieceofplyselfspace.

    etothedoor,hekihiothesideoftheporediohenotebookshedstuffedinside.

    heeandessagesayingthatheoingifrobertstill.then,foldingthepaper,hebroughtthehefrontporde,kingsureit.

    “ihelpyou”

    anstandihehouse.thoughheuldntrecallaninhisthirtiesaunt,eearlierpulledup.

    paulclearedhisthroat.“yes,”hesaid,“itorrelson.isthistherightplace”

    theyoungnnoddedydad.”

    “ishein”

    “youhthebank”

    paulshookhishead.“no.naispaulflanner.”itontbeforetheyoungnreghena.hiseyesnarrowed.

    “thedoctor”

    paulnodded.“yourfatherseersayinghee.”

    “for”

    “idontknow.”

    “hedidnttellabouter.”ashespoke,thesclesinhisjaoch.

    “iere”

    theyoungnhookedhisthuintohisbelt.“hesnotin.”

    ashesaidit,hiseyesflashedtothehouse,andpaulellih.

    “ie.”

    “hedoesnttotalktoyou.”

    pauldroppedhisgaze,thenlookedupagain.

    “ithinkthatsforhiodecide,dontyou”hesaid.

    “ehereandtrytotalkyourestakeorsothing”

    paulsaidnothing.sensinghishesitation,theyoungntookasteptoandon,hisvoicerising.

    “justgetthehelloutofhereidontore,anddaddoesher”

    “fine...okay...”

    theyoungnreachedforanearbyshovelandpaulraisedhishands,bagaway.

    “ioing...”

    hetuedandstartedtohecar.

    “anddontebaanshouted.“dontyouthinkyouvedoneenoughalreadythersdeadbecauseofyou”

    paulfliheheirsting,thengotinthecar.afterstartingtheengine,hepulledahoutlookingback.

    hedidheneighboredotheladdertospeakan;hedidheyoungnthrocurtainfallbatoplasidethehouse.

    nordidheseethefrontdooropenorthehatretrievedtheerithadfallentotheporch.

    er,adrienneeningtopaulashereuntedhadhappehe

    ...

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    “atleastyoutried,”shesaid.

    “alotofgoodthatdid,huh”

    “ybehedidntknohisfathersletter.”

    paulshookhishead.“itsnotjustthat.itgoesbanotevengoingtogetthece.”

    “thatsnotyourfault.”

    “thehatway”

    inthesilefollohetigoftheheater.

    “becauseyoucare.becauseyouveged.”

    “nothingsaginehoeonebelievesthataboutyou”

    “no,”sheadtted,“iethinglikethat.”

    paulnodded,lookingdrawn.

    adrienneovingtoandreagforhishand.itiffatfirst,butherelaxedahisfingerscurlintohers.

    “ashardasitistoaesoonelikeyouthantoaehade.andnotterhoethingiortantbygoihising.”

    “sthat”

    “youlistehecetotellyouhogetitoffhischest,andihatsprobablyakeittourt,heedyoutohearhissideofthestoryinperson.toknoheyfeel.”

    paullaughedgriy.“thatkesfeelabetter.”

    adriennesqueezedhishand.“.nottheotherwayaround.”

    paulsaidnothing,butdeepdo.hough,hadntherealizeditbefore

    “ikhingiortanttoday,ahanthat,itethingyoudidnthavetodo.youbeproudofthat.”

    “noneofhappenedsurprisedyou,didit1”

    “notreally.”

    “didyouknooing”

    “iightgolikethis.”

    abriefslefliething,youknohat”

    “isthatagoodthingorabadthing”

    hesqueezedherhand,thinkingthathelikedtheostasifhedbeenholdingitforyears.

    “itsagreatthing,”hesaid.

    hetuedtofaanddaughter,orthean,ortheladyeonedifferent,sooneshebarelyregnized.hertiherehadbeendreaike,andthoughdreaindedherselfthattheyore.

    shetookasllstepbatinhiseyes,butitvanishedashelookedofftotheside.

    shesled,fherselftokeephervoicesteady.

    “areyoustillupforhelpingean”

    “sure.”paulnodded.“justletthroehes.”

    “youvegotti.ivegottorunuptothestorefirst,anyefoodhandyihepo.”

    “okay.”

    shepaused.“yougonnabeallright”

    “illbefine.”

    sheakesureshebelievedhithentuedaoldherself,sheddhtthing.shetohavetuedatohaveletgoofhishand.

    yetassheslippedoutthedoor,sheuldntesissingforfartoolong.

    paulakesenseofinutesago,ethingspecial,butjustasquicklyasithade,itwhy.

    heulduandadriennesreservationstheyalllivedinaits,afterall,andthosedidntalpulsiveattetstolivei.hekhshadbeenaodefythoselits,torejebracedforsolong.

    ittoexpeyesterday,thoseresponsibilitiesrequiredstabilityaability.hedbeenthesahoughhehepositiontolivebydifferentrules,adrienne,herealized,.

    noheless,sothinghadehedbeenhere,heighthavebeeerdayaboutherfather,oreventhisingaybeithappenedselfholdingherhandandstandingclose,orethalypresshislipsagainsthers.

    itdidnttter.allhekneannadadrienne,gtheinnforafriendinatinyastaltohcarolina.

    eleven

    roberttorrelsonsatattheagingrolltopdeskinhislivingroolisteningashissonboardedupthepaulflanner,andhelyfoldingandunfoldingit,sti

    ...

    小说站  www.xsz.tw台湾小说网  www.192.tw台湾小说网  www.192.twlle.

    hehadntexpeedtogiveadaabouthirhisfalyforoverayeao,hefortableiftheteeratureatoreneygerhouse.paulflahifterthesurgery,hadstruckhisthattypeofperson.heself,theclippedinutessleepbecauseofhadhappened.

    andthatright.

    roberthadlivedalifeilysrootsierbanksbaespanies,allchasingfeehensideredhielfluckyifhecaughtenoughtopayfashedneeded.

    roberttorrelsoherehislefteyetohisear.hishandsaehedgotitcaughtinahes.

    butjillhadntcaredaboutanyofthosethings.andnowjillwasgone.

    onthedeskselfstaringatit.

    hessedeverythingabouther;hessedtheeinonldissedtheusintheradioissedtheelledafterdabbingherchestpleand,freshlikeanewbo.

    paulflannerhadtakenallthatahijill,heknehadshenevergoothehospitalthatday.

    hissonhadhadhistu.andnoehadeforhis.

    adrieheshortdrivetotoallgravelparkinglotofthegeneralstore,breathingasighofrelieftofindthatitillopen.

    thereenokinganddrinkiheyonherspackedclosetogether.heregisterallbarreldillpicklesforsale;othatallgrillfreshokedburgersandfishsandhoughnooer,theodoroffriedfoodliheair.

    theipseofherselfintherroreddoorpanel.shestoppedforant,asifseeingherselfthroughdifferenteyes.

    hoeonehadfouraeoneshedjustthadeonehadaskedherthosequestionsbeforeshedehere,sheovedout.butthatethinglikethis.

    ofurse,hadjaorethanhalfherlifehadpassedan,andnotterhouchshensense,sheuldnthelpbutthinkthatbeingoutofpracticefortethingtodohitaswell.

    sheeandiing,orevehedecisiontogetherulesthathedalostpeopleplate.

    thereethinghat.heself,heeherebehadsentanoterequestingit.

    hadfouractive.

    assherefleen,sheeoneeday.

    inherbriefabsenostghostlike,aspectralfluteplayingasie.cloudsspsastheypassedoverhead.theowa

    ...

    栗子小说    m.lizi.tw小说站  www.xsz.tw台湾小说网  www.192.twsaseaofarkfrohedaybefore.

    assheeoutfroehie.

    “didyougetstartede”shecalledout.

    “no,notreally.iakingsureiuldfihing.”hetioheload.“doyouneedahandhthat”

    adrienneshookherhead.“ivegotit.itsnotthatheavy.”sheoegetstartedinthere.indifitocloseuptheshutters”

    “no,goahead.idontnd.”

    inside,adrieheoleexttotherefrigerator,ebreakfast,andtheeal,butgoodenoughihingelse,shegrabbedohebottlesofitontop,feelingaforbiddenthrillatthethoughtofsharingthehpaullater.

    forfloor.upstairs,shetookptyguestroofirstthendeher.

    afterunloadehisooinghadalreadybeenputaethingfroiboutthevirtuesofkeepingthiintheirroo.

    inhisbathroosheallagestandihesinkthating;andasshepicturedhihere,soinstincttoldherthathed.

    sheshookherhead,feelingstrangelylikeateenagerpokingthroughaparentsbedrooandheadedtotheup,shesaherockersofftheporchtostorebehehouse.

    hevedasifheidseooonyifheengagedinanysortofphysiethingakintoightfeelhedice.

    behehouse,paultingthingsready.

    thehurrithestaentallyoutliningheodo.

    heebackdoblinglongandloperature,shenoticed,iliar,likeanotheranhewords.

    “itseasierthanithoughtitatintothebraces,thendroptheseclipsin.”

    “abouttheoholditinplace”

    “thatsnottoobad,either.thejointsarealreadyup,soallihavetodoisputthetraupleofnails.likejeansaid,itsaonepersonjob.”

    “doyouthinkitlltakelong”

    “ybeanhour.yousideifyoudlike.”

    “isnttheresothingiean”

    “notreally.butifyoudlike,youuldkeeppany.”

    adriennesled,likingtheinvitationinhisvoice.“youvegotyourselfadeal.”

    forthehourorso,paulvedfronepany.ashe,athesaaoing.

    ovedgettinguatall.

    anotherovingtheladder.bythetitheingregularly,asifhedryforyears.

    despitetheraialked;adrieianythingthatuldbenstruedtheeoftherepairsheandhisfatherhaddohefarndthatheghthedoingabitofthisinecuadorashatitogetthefeelofitagain.

    asadrieeohialkofthisandthat,sheuldtellthatpaul,shesuddenlyknehernd.

    everythingabouthiadeherlongforsothingshehadneverknoadeheheshapeofhishipsandlegsinhisjeansashestoodontheladderaboveher,thoseeyesthataledhehinkingandfeeling.standinginthepraithepullofthepersonhehepersonsherealizedsheedtobe.

    bythetihefinished,hissherfaininebodybehit.

    itunleasheditsfullfury.along,streakinglightningboltedseatosky,andthunderechoedasiftbsoftreesinasingledire.rainbleryingtodefygravity.

    ...

    小说站  www.xsz.tw栗子网  www.lizi.tw小说站  www.xsz.twforanttheysilyiherainatter.andthen,finallygivingintothepossibilityofighteheytuedandheadedbatothehousehoutaword.

    twelve

    andld,theyeachs,paulslippedoutofhisclothesahefaucet,behiainbeforehehoppedintotheshoinutesforhisbodytoup,andthoughhelingeredfarlohanusualandgotdressedsloehebackdoairs.

    akingthehouseee,likesoundsinabusytrainstation.paulbroughtthe.evenptuedon,theblaovedtohefireplace.

    paulopehedaerandaddedthreelogs,staatinaaheodorofsulfurhungintheairatch.

    thekindlingiheoakovedtherockercloser,stretghisfeettohefire.

    itfortable,hethought,gettingupfroisandtuedoffthelight.

    hesled.better,hethought.alotbetter.

    inherrooadrieertheydreehehouse,sheddecidedtotakejeansadvidbeganfilliub.evehingsensualinthatrealization,ahefeelingwashoverher.

    tagihissortofthinghappeningtoher.noruldshehaveigihatshedhefeelingthiseoneshedjustt.herlifedidntalloethekidsortellherselfthatherresponsibilitiesdidntleaveenoughtiforsothinglikethis,butthatpletelytrue.italsohadtodoeierthofherdivorce.

    yes,shefeltbetrayedandangryatjaeoneelsepliued,hehadntplannedonfallinginloveplyrodetheotionsakingnsciousdecisionsaloerhouchhetriedtosoftpedaleandeffortitaketofixeverithoughththeirrelationship.

    hoidlifecrisis,butitstillhadaonthepersohoughtshean.itofeelsensualfeelattractive,andtheensuingthreeyearshoutadateonlyservedtoundersreherfeelingofinadequacy.

    andhoistake.

    ithadnthelped,afterall.shethesheakelifehetwhoshereallywas.

    paul,shesuspected,alreadykneehoehadgivehecetorealizeitaswell.

    butthisplyabniziakessheddei.italsohadtodothispointon.herpast;therehingsheulddoaboutthat,butthefutureillupfrabs,andshedidnttolivetherestofherlifefeelingthehelastthreeyears.

    sheshavedherlegsandsoakediubforanotherfeinutes,longenoughforstofthesudstovanishandtheisandbelly,thenherbreastsandar,relishingtheadeherskiolife.

    aside.ifieriousaboutayasartnow.

    shehadntbroughtas.shedbroughtthosealonginthevaguehopethatsheghtheadoutoneevening,andthoughsheedasgoodatiasanytoputthen.

    shedriedherhaire:sused.leaningtoirror,sheaddedatraceofeyeshade.

    shesahadbeenfartoolongsinceshedlastloo

    ...

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    sheleftthebedrooandasshepassedthroughthekit,sheuldslltheffee.itallydrinkonadaylikethis,especiallysiilltheafteoon,butinsteadofpacup,sheretrievedthelastbottleofherefrigerator,thengrabbedtherkscrerol.

    ,shesahatpaulhad

    startedthefire,andithadsoho,asifantiouth.allheulddoareather.

    “tooch”shefinallyasked.

    paulshookhishead,hiseyesneverleavinghers.“no,notatall.youlook...beautiful.”

    adriennegaveashysle.“thankyou,”shesaid.hervoiceostalongago.

    theyntiostareateaightbenice.”

    paulclearedhisthroat.“thatsoundsgreat.etoopele”

    “unlessyoulikebitsofrkinyourter.ineverdidgetthehangofthosethings.”

    hischair,shehaherkscre.heopehebottleents,andadrienneheldbothglassesashepoured.hesetthebottleoableandtookhisglassastheysatintherockers.shenoticedtheyogetherthantheyhadbeenthedaybefore.

    adrienookasipofitself.theflickeringfiredeshado.rainingitselfagainstthewalls.

    “thisislovely,”shesaid.“iladyoudeafire.”

    intheingair,pauleshestotakealittlelongereveryyearfortoup.”

    “evene.”

    helaughedsoftly.“iwish.”

    “youseeobedoingokay.”

    “youdoheings.”

    “butdontyourunthen”

    “beforethat,ian.ove.ihobblelikeanoldn.allthatrunninghastakenitstollovertheyears.”

    astheyvedtheirrockersbadforth,heuldseetherefleofthefireflickeringinhereyes.

    “haveyouheardfroourkidstoday”heasked,tryingnottostareatadrienooobviously.

    sheheycalledthisingonthsnow.”

    “soundsliketheyllhavefun.”

    “yeah,jacksgoodforthat.heygotovisit,healissingoutonalotofthings,too,andi.youtgettheseyearsback.”

    “iknourred,“believe,iknow.”

    shehavesaidthat.

    heshookhishead.“itsokay.eventhoughyoue,iknoissedrethanitryingtodosothingaboutitnohopeit.”

    “itwill.”

    “youthinkso”

    “iknoplishesjustabouteverythingyousetouttodo.”

    “itsnotthateasythisti.”

    “”

    “rkandiarentoodterthesedays.actually,s.orethanafeoeachotherinyears.”

    shelookedathinotsuretosay.“ididntrealizeithatlong,”shefinallyoffered.

    “hoethingiroudtoadt.”

    “atfirst,ian”

    “ihavenoidea.”helookedather.“anysuggestionsyouseeohaveaprettygoodhaheparentthing.”

    “notreally.iguessidhavetoknoisfirst.”

    “itsalongstory.”

    “alldayifyoutotalkaboutit.”

    paultookadrink,asifsuoninghisresolve.thehehalfhour,andtotheaehehefire.

    “thatsatoughone,”sheadtted.

    “iknow.”

    “butthisisntallyourfault,youknotakestokeepafeudgoing.”

    “thatsprettyphilosophical.”

    “itsstilltrue,though.”

    “shouldido”

    “iguessidsaynottopushtoohard.ithinkyouprobablyogettokwo.”

    hesled,thinkingaboutherarttheirtheris.”

    “theydont.butitillhopeful.”

    helaughed,thinkingherskinlookedradiantilelight.alogsparked,sendingtrailsupthechiey.pauladdedreoboththeirglasses.

    “hoostayinecuador”sheasked.

    “iotsureyet.iguessthatsuptorkahere.”hesher.“butidsayillbethereatleastayear.thatsitoldthedirector,anyway.”

    “andthenyoulleback”

    heshrugged.“akeupgbedandbreakfastsheooftown.”

    shelaughed.“ithinkyoudgetprettyboredhthat.”

    “butidbegoodifast.”

    “true,butyoudhavetoleatook.”

    “goodpoint.”paulglaorothere.”

    athisthebloodrushtohercheeks.sheshookherheadandtuedaway.

    “dontsaythat.”

    “say”

    “thingsyoudontan.”

    “akesyouthinkidontanit”

    sheeethiseyes,nor,heuldseeherchestrisingandfallioeandw

    ...

    小说站  www.xsz.tw小说站  www.xsz.tw栗子小说    m.lizi.twasafraidhe.allchild.

    “iorryifthatdeyouunfortable,”hesaid,“butthisethingididntknoean,itsbeenadreayouvebeenadrea”

    thethofhishaoperateintoherbones.

    “ivehadae,too,”shesaid.

    “butyoudohesaway.”

    shelookedathi“paul...i..”

    “no,youdonthavetosayanything”

    shedidhiinish.“yes,ido.youposihoughts.“arriage.itendedeverythingidhopedforiure.anditendedoveon,anditried,buttheallthatiedinore.ningenerale,andiguessiretreatedintoashell.thisaderealizethataboutself,anditillingtoterhthat.”

    “iotsuree.”

    “iotsayingthisbeethanyouprobablyrealize.butvingtoroe,andtheresnotellinguonths.ethatyoullfeelthesanow”

    “yes,”hesaid,“i.”

    “hoanyoubesosure”

    outside,theringagainsttheheoldinncreakeduheincessantpressure.

    paulsetasidehisglassoforebeautiful.

    “because,”hesaid,“youretheonlyreasonidbothertoebackatall.”

    “paul...dont.”

    sheont,paulbelievedherethanhediginedpossible,athelastofhisresistancegiveovedtoherside.hafinger,hetuedherfaceto,knohathehher,heverythingabouther.

    “adrienhisgaze,sheregheetioninhiseyes.

    heuldntsaytheaginedsheuldheartheandthatwasenough.

    becauseitaswell.

    foralongheroheeedtoknotakeit,leaningbaherchairashisthubegantotraceherskin.

    hesled,edorei.heuldntreadherexpressioseedtohintateverythineedspace,heletgoofherhandandstood.

    “letputanonthefire,”hesaid.“itsgettinglow.”

    shehroughhalfclosedeyesashesquattedbeforethefire,thejeansstretgtightaroundhisthighs.

    thisuldntbehappening,shetoldherself.sheatureenoughtokhinglikethisuldntbereal.this,thebinationofathousandthings,shetoldherself,butitlove.

    a,assheistakablelookinhiseyes,thetrerinhisvoiceashede...sheknehought,werehers.

    buteanforhirherkhankhansilyapleasurableas,aprosetokeitthroughightbring.shedneveruoodonenightstandsorpeopleoheeveryupleofnths.itrelegatedtheaethingalstaningless,norespecialthanagoodnightkissonthefrontsteps.

    eventhoughtheylovedeasothinglikethat.kinglovetopauleanthattheyherestoftheirlives,andshesureshehat.

    noranshedeverbeenanshedightdisappointhistenoughtokeepherfroettingthisgoanyfurther.

    butsheuldntstopherself.nota.

    herthroatherexhale,theyrelaxed.hetued,lookingupather,andithenthatshefeltherselffinallygivein.

    itallfeltrighttoher,hefeltright,andasshestoodbehindhishekobe.

    lightningcuttheskyoutside.oleapupagain.

    paulstoodandfaberhertouchagainsthiorever.

    paulkissedthebackofherhandbeforereleasingit.then,openinghiseyesandtiltinghishead,hedreeetingherlips.

    sheleaohihenashesaroundher;sheuldfeelher

    ...

    台湾小说网  www.192.tw栗子小说    m.lizi.tw栗子小说    m.lizi.twbreastspressedagainsthischest;sheuldfeeltheslightstubbleonhisfacee.

    heranhishandsoverherbaovedaroundtoherbelly,histouethingdistantandunreal.

    it,andastheyvedevebay.

    heburiedhishandsinherhair,andsheleanedherheadagainsthischest,hearinghisheartbeatingasquicklyashers.

    then,heyoseparate,shefoundherselfreagforhishand.

    shetookasllstepbaupstairs.

    thirteen

    i,andastaredatherther.

    shehadntspokensinceadriennehadstartedherstoryandhadghte.

    butadrienneuldnttellandaaboutthat,nordidsheo.andaan;shekokelovetoasoberotherthas,specialonlybecauseshehadbeenalonesolong.theyshared,hohathad

    beenburiedforfartoolong,feelingsthateantforjustthet.andonlythe

    besides,aalkaboutsuchthings,butadrienneneveruoodho,shealhought,s.

    butevenifshedetogetherorthetextureofhisuthoveasone

    no,sheagineaginationuldpossiblyagicshedfeltinpaulsar.

    “andafinallyandasfortably.

    “yes,”wasalladriennewouldsay.

    “youan..”

    “yes,”shesaidagain.

    andatookadrinkofeelingherself,sheloheglasstothetable.“and..”

    adrienneleanedfanyoooverhear.

    “yes,”shehthat,sheglancedofftotheside,retreatingintothepast.

    theyddelovethatafteoon,andshedspeofthedayinbed.asthestedoutsideuprootedfoliageandresforthefuture,bothofthearvelihethoughtsandfeelingsthathadledtothisnt.

    thishadbeenasnearriagete,shereeredthinkingthenadelove,ithadbeenperfune,unvingtalkedafterinutes.

    notonlyhadpaulheldherforhoursafterbraasthephysin,sureetolove.

    thoughtheyeasthedoorvibratedintheenergyofthestorthepoetiintheearlyinghours.theydeloveasendtiintotaldarkness,guidedbytoupassedoverrodanthe.

    fourteen

    fortofbed,alteatelylaughingandbeingserious,teasi.

    bynoooveandstandontheporhosthathadbeeooclosetotheer;itovedherglovessosheuldfeelpaulshandinherown.

    thepoebaealahirdbottleofas,feelingtheerwashoverherskin.

    thatnight,theyingba,andtheyspentpartoftheeveninginadingybar,listeningtosicfrohejukeboxanddangtoafe,andpaulandadrieherpatr

    ...

    台湾小说网  www.192.tw小说站  www.xsz.tw栗子网  www.lizi.twons.

    onsunday,paultookdo,thenputtheroesin,andtheyuileaselvesstaringatahouse,halfonthepilings,halfonthesand,thathadbeenvisurge.stoftheashed,andpartoftheroofhadbloetheyrealizedhohadreallybeen.

    sarouhen,tellihatsheuchitetoantoher.

    allsheknesofansheloved,hatheoholdherthiswayforever.

    onndaying,paulslippedoutofbedbeforesheedignoranbledeggs.

    thoughheradeherbreakfastihersday,iteanhadeverdohatforher.jackhadneverbeeypetothinkofsuchthings.

    hekitagain,adriennesaroundher,nuzzlingthebackofheeck.

    istakablesoundofthefrontdooroftheinnsqueakingopenaranceofuchtojeanbeforehangingup,thehekittoseeinutebeforesheretued,andpaulasifatalossforh.

    “hesheretotalktoyou,”shesaid.

    “who”

    “roberttorrelson.”

    roberttorrelsonand.helookedupiling,hisfa.otherthanhishair,eashehadihehospital.hiseyesagiheywouldbe.

    robertsaidnothingrightaead,hestaredaspaulaherockersotheyuldfaceeachother.

    “youokingunfilteredcalcigarettes.

    “yes.”

    “ididntthinkyouwould.”

    “forasureheriher.”

    robertsnortedasifhedexpectedthat.“sonsaidhetalkedtoyou.”

    “hedid.”

    robertsledbitterly,knohadbeensaid.“hesaidyoudidnttrytoexplainyourself.”

    “no,”paulans.”

    “butyoustilldontthinkyoudidanythingwrong,doyou”

    paulglancedainds.hestraightenedup.

    “inyourletter,yousaidyoueandthatitportant.andnohere.r.torrelson”

    robertreaatovedanashtraycloser,andleanedbatheuch.

    “wrong”heasked.

    “nothing,”paulsaid.“theoperationaswellasidhoped.”

    “thenwhydidshedie”

    “iidont.”

    “isthatyourlaoldyoutosay”

    “no,”paulrespondedevenly,“itsthetruth.ithoughtthatsyoudtohear.ifiuldgiveyouananswer,iwould.”

    robertbroughttheouthandinhaled.anoldacrdion.

    “didyouk”

    “no,”paulsaid.“ididnt.”

    roberttookandragonhiscigarette.ory.

    “itorelikeahalfaethihatshealuchtoknohy.”

    robertpaused,lleghisthoughts,andpaulkaysilent.

    “likealotoffolksbaeallnightlong.justkeptstaringatthoseshoes.”

    robertbroughthishands

    ...

    小说站  www.xsz.tw栗子小说    m.lizi.tw台湾小说网  www.192.twtogether.

    “butiaskedheroutagainanye,andirealizedthatsheottoknooreilikedher,aeraaybeihher.ididntcareaboutthatthingonherface.didntcareaboutitbackthen,andididntcareaboutitlastyear,either.butshedid.shealwaysdid.”

    hepaused.

    “eshe,thatthinggreore.idontkhesathing.butallkids,evenjohntheothoughtsheoround.aherestoftheti.andilovedherforthat,andostoftheti,butshedeiteasyfor.andiadesurethateveryonearoundherek.ithoughtthatiguessit.”

    paulreiionlessasroberton.

    “shesaorthings,andithadthosebeforeandafterpictures.ithigotitinherheadthatsheuldgetridofitondforall.andthate.”

    roberttpaulseyes.

    “thereind,idtellherididntes,idfihebathrooougherface,oridhearherg,andikhananything.shedlivedyboat,andoing.idontthinkideverseenhersohappyaboutanythinginherlife,andjustseeihatekoseeherjustassoonassheeherlastewere”

    robertlookedatpaul,kingsurehehadhisattention.

    “shesaid,alllife,iveedtoheprettyforyou.andalliuldthinkhatshealwayshadbeen.”

    paulbohoughhetriedtosherehisthroat.

    “butyoudidntknoeinforaion,ortheladyilyorethanthat.sheeaedrethanthatbylivingthelifeshedid.”

    roberttorrelsontappedthelastofhisashesintotheashtray,thenputoutthecigarette.

    “youhelastpersoalkedto,thelastpersonshesahebestladyintheevenknotingthatsinkin.“butnowyoudo.”

    theudantlaterhewasgone.

    afterhearingroberttorrelsonhadsaid,adrienouchedpaulsface,dabbingaears.

    “youokay”

    “idontknokindhtnow.”

    “thatsnotsurprising.ittoabsorb.”

    “yes,”paulsaid,“itwas.”

    “areyougladyoudthathetoldyouthosethings”

    “yesandno.itportanttohihatiknogladforthat.butitkessad,too.theylovedeaudnowshesgone.”

    “itdoesntseeair.”

    sheofferedaile.“itisnt.thegreaterthelove,thegreaterthetragedyentsalogether.”

    “evenforyouand”

    “foreveryone,”shesaid.“thebeste.”

    hepulledherontohislap.hekissedherlips,thenputhisararoundher,holdingher,andforalongti,theystayedinthatposition.

    butastheyakinglovelaterthatevening,adrienneseba,sheuldntstopthetearsastheyslippedsilentlydoheeks.

    fifteen

    adrienneoing.hedseenhergduringthenightbuthadsaidnothing,knototearsasraggedanduosleepforhours.instead,helayas,nuzzlingagainsther,notakeupfortheyeartheybetogether.

    shedfoldedhis,theohathadbeeninthedryer,andpaulpulledout,hebroughthisthingsdohefrontdoor.adriennebledeggs,acupofffeeoerbesideher.edinred.

    “hi,”heventured.

    “hi,”shesaid,tuingaorequiightebreakfastbeforeyougo.”

    “thankyou,”hesaid.

    “ibroughtathersfrooe,andifyoueffeeforthetrip,youtakeithyou.”

    “thankyou,butthatsokay.illhefine.”

    shekeptstirringtheeggs.“ifyouaupleofsandhrohosetogether,too.”

    paulvedtoethinglater.andtobeho,idoubtifillhehungryanyway.”

    shedidntseeobelistening,ahishandonherbag.

    “hey.

    “ikay,”shewhispered.

    “yousure”

    shenoddedandsniffedassherevedthepanfrohebuer.dabbingathereyes,shestillrefusedtolookathiseeihisindedhiftheirfirstehepordhefelthisthroatnstrict.heuldntbelievethatlessthanahen.

    “adrienne...dont..

    shelookedupathihen.

    “dontount.ihelpitifidontthistoendjustyet”

    “idontei

    ...

    栗子小说    m.lizi.tw台湾小说网  www.192.tw小说站  www.xsz.twther.”

    “andthatssad.beyselfiyselfthatidbestrongandhappy,sothatyoueerthateon,itjusthitthatorrotough.”

    shesaiditasthoughsheryingtonvinceherself.paulreachedforherhand.

    “adrienne...lastnight,afteryouaybeiuldstayalittleonthortakechdifferendthatogether”

    sheshookherhead,cuttinghiff.

    “no,”shesaid,“youark.notafterallthatyouteoretieisntgoingtokeitanyeasiertosaygoodbyeees,andiuldntliveyselfknoe,idstillcrythen,too.”

    sheflashedabraveslebefoingon.“youake,andthisisohe”

    henodded,hislipspressedtogether.hekelythatshe.

    “isethatyoulle”heaskedfinally,hisved.

    “ofurse.ithoughtyouoeatbreakfastinaro,”

    despiteeverythinghelaughed,andadrienneleaohishekissedhieforelettinghioldher.heuldfeelthethofherbody,sllthefairae.shefeltsogoodinhisar.soperfect.

    “idontkoehere,”hesaid.“toetyou.forsonyyears,ivebeenssingsothingiididntknoitwas.andnowido.”

    sheetoo,”shewhispered.

    hekissedherhair,theedhischeekagainsther.

    “iss”

    adrienneforile.“everysie.”

    theyhadbreakfasttogether.adrienneilenohen.paulpickedathisfood,takinglohanusualtohisplate,andheyheybroughtthedishestothesink.

    itostnineoclodpaulledherpastthefrooetoslingoverhisshoulders;adrieheleatherpouch.

    “iguessthisisit,”hesaid.

    adriennepressedherlipstogether.likehers,paulseyesdo.

    “youkhee.rksal.”

    “thanks.”

    heshookthepouch.“ihaveyouraddress,too,inhere.illetoyouthere.andcall,too,thece.”

    “okay.”

    hereachedouttotouchhercheek,andsheleaohishand.theybothkosay.

    shefollooutthedooranddoe,uos.

    adriennesqueezedhereyesshut.heeantforeachother;theyeinthealreadyoreyear,right

    butitine,heuldstayhere,edcruellyunfairtoadrienne.hoedoothis

    paultookadeepbreathandfinallyvedaont,thenbackather,dabbingathiseyes.

    shefolloaroundtothedriverssideandile,heputthekeyintheignitiona,revvingtheengiolife.shesteppedbackfroheopendoorandheclosedit,thenrolleddohewindow.

    “oneyear,”hesaid,“andillbebayhat.”

    “oneyear,”shewhisperedinresponse.

    hegaveherasadsle,thenputthereverse,and,aginsideashestaredbackather.

    thecartuedasitreachedthehighe.adrienneraisedherhand,rodanthe,aher.

    shestoodinthedriveastheentlater,hehereatall.

    theingadeherohedoor.

    ilookedthesaasthedayshedarrived.nothingofplace.hededthefireplaceyesterdayandstae;therockershadbeenputbatotheirinalposition.thefrontdesklookedorderly,heverykeybaitsplace.

    butthesllreiheslloftheirbreakfasttogether,thesllofaftershave,thesllofhilingeringonherhandsandonherfadonherclothes.

    ituovedaboutinhisroogonengofthestortheansheloved,aanhingelsebutcry.

    sixteen

    rot,2002

    adriennehadfinishedherstory,ahroatsittingino

    ...

    小说站  www.xsz.tw台湾小说网  www.192.tw栗子小说    m.lizi.twnepositiontoolong.sheshiftedinheradehersitoableinaroohatslledofaonia.hedraisedherarandaskedhertobendherkhengaveherapresorepillsedpeoplee.soon,theydbeinginthelorofraiakenintheing,othersatnight,sht.itorebotherthanith.

    andaeiediately.sheollectherthoughts,sosheuldfinishshedstarted.

    sheandahadagreedtoetherhere,atthehouse.shedlivedhereforoverthirtyyears,aoher,evehantheplapeiteshedinsuchaakeherliferepredictableandoddlyf.

    iteiattanddanhadbeentohaveitredeledforthelastupleofyears,andforherbirthdaytheydarraohaveantraendedshereplaateandalistofreferenoneyforsothingtheyneededfortheiroilies.

    besides,shelikedtheoldkitetogetherasafaly,bothbeforeandafterjaeeerthosetiseasohekidstriedhisorherbestforabitofprivaatterho,setotalkandtolisten,toleaandtoteach,tolaughandtocry.thiseost.

    andthisandaotherreallywas.

    adriennedraofherainingoobendthelightinsuchaaketheethingdifferent,aplacesheuldntquitereghisdidntsurpriseher;asshedgroedtoge.tonight,asshetoldherstory,shefeltasiftheinterveningyearshadbeenreversed,andthoughition,sheerhadnotiehfulnessabouther.

    no,shedeandauldnorenan,andadrieisandaostpart,peoplealeorfele,prettyedtothinkthatthosethingslaysoostolderpeoplebelievedthattheylayi.

    itainlostinittheanyofherfriendshad.thepasterelyagardenofrosesandsunshihepasthelditsshareofheartbreakasthatjackseffeherlifearrivedattheinn,athatpaulflanneow.

    tonight,sheisedherselfeverydaysines,andthoughthereainsatisfatothatknodidnterasethepais.

    oenjoythedaysshespenthelibrary.

    theightpassbeforesheething,itofferedhertheopportunitytos,shefounditiossiblenottotrytoigiheirlives.shearriedhtiher,andooreoftenthannot,shedendupbeingfairlycloseinherguessesandshedknown.

    everynoeoneeinenhadusuallybeehaeobeyounger,huteitherway,

    ...

    栗子网  www.lizi.tw栗子小说    m.lizi.tw栗子网  www.lizi.twtheproostoftheventuallyaskedherout.sheatterhoighthe,notterhouchsheenjoyedhispany,sheintheehaddone.

    hertiinrodanthehadraiorealizethatsheerefriendlyonthsandyears,andsotistheyetisuntillateinthenight.throughhisgrief,andshedevenallotostayintheguestbedrootoseethekids.ironian,andadrienneuldreersittingashesidnight,andhedbeenralingforafeedtorealize.

    “didithurtthisbadforyou”heasked.

    “yes,”adriennesaid.

    “hotaketogetoverit”

    “threeyears,”shesaid,“butiky.”

    jaodded.pressinghislipstogether,hestaredintohisdrink.

    “iorry,”hesaid.“theduestthingieverdidothatdoor.”

    adriennesledandpattedhisknee.“iknothankyouanyway.”

    itayearafterthatoaskhertodinner.andasshehadhalltheothers,adriennepolitelysaidno.

    adrienneroseandherbedrooarlier,thenandaostiledasshereachedfhtershand.

    asshedid,adrienneuldseethatsotiduriupleofhours,andahadrealizedthatshedidntknouotherasshethoughtshedid.ithought,arolereversalofsorts.

    andahadthesalookihatadrieishadi,eofthethingstheyddoogooutandahadbothstartedandquitskingasajunior,orthatdanhadbeentheoneallfireinthegaragethathadbeenbladonafaultyeleeti,andsheandawasfeelingnow.

    onthepe,andasighed.

    “thateastory,”shesaid.

    asshespoke,andafingeredherakingitshier.

    “dottanddanknoean,haveyoutoldtheboutit”

    “no.”

    “”

    “iotsuretheyoknoiled.“andbesides,idontknoatter.theyren,forohing,andalittleoeenarelikethatsotisiftheyetsooneandfallisreal,notterhoeonefallsforaantheyhappentoansiions.tobeho,idontkno.”

    andanoddedbeforeaskihen”

    “becauseithoughtyouohearit.”

    absently,aotother.

    “

    “yes”

    “ian,youionedanythingaboutit.”

    “iuldnt.”

    “”

    adrienneleanedbaandkneedsueuntilyouuldethihatididhepointinit..”

    shetrailedoffbeforechoosiarefully.

    “youalsohavetorealizethatyourenotthesapersohinglikethis.ia”

    “.”

    adrienneanda.instead,sheshrugged.“e,ididhingagain.”

    andashiftediherintheeye.“areyousurehelovedyou”sheasked.

    “yes,”shesaid.

    andaseyeslookedalstbluegreeninthefadinglight.shesledgently,asiftryingtokeanobviouspointother.

    adriennekneanda.ithought,theonlylogicalquestio.

    andaleanedforhhenwhereishe”

    inthefourteenyearssines.herfirsttriphadbeenduringjuhesayear,andthoughthesaedintotheskyatthehorizohereinderofhertripsdurihs,heold,

    ...

    栗子网  www.lizi.tw小说站  www.xsz.tw栗子小说    m.lizi.twkentrehepast.

    ohatpaulleft,adrieseedtobe

    theonlyal,butshestayedoutanyplaatiohenavalbaseinnorfolk.bythetisheb,andatthesiap,feeliing.thoughsheuoodthathee.

    partofherhadhopedheebae.

    buthedidnt.thefrontdooeversutostay,shekneonhisakeiteasiertoleave;atogethereantheydhavetosaygoodbyeagain,andthathadbeenhardenoughthefirstti.sheuldntiginehavingtosaythosee,noruldsheiginehavingtoreliveanotherdayliketheoneshehadjustspent.

    thefollooing,shebeganingtheinn,

    vingsteadily,fo,thenuntilsheeaswhenshedarrived.

    then,after.

    shehadheresinoing.theafteoonsunlightakeithereforter,atoorehadbeeogetheearthesink.

    shestoodoving,takingitallin,beforefinallyexhalingandputtingdooingbefore.

    ashedtenit.then,afterfoldingitcarefully,sheputitintohersuitcasealonghthench.herailingonthebackporch,lookingtoheskyagain.

    jeanal,exuberantself,happytoseeadrienne,happytobebackho,andtalkingincessantlyabouttheheoldhotelinsavannahayed.adriejeangooorieshoutinterruption,andafterdinner,shetoldjeanthatsheedtotakeahebeach.thankfully,jeanpassedontheinvitationtogohher.

    adeherselfacupofhotteaandtosithefireplace.assheerthekit.

    “.

    “inhere,”adrienneanswered.

    jeanrouheerantlater,“didiheartheteakettlele”

    “ijustdeacup.”

    “sinceea”

    adriennegaveashortlaughbutdidntanswer.

    jealedintherooonakingthesandglohthelorofantiquepotsandpans.

    “youvebeenkindofquiettonight,”jeansaid.

    “sorry.”adrienneshrugged.“iustalittletired.1guessiustreadytogoho.”

    “iure.iilesassoonasileftsavannah,butatleastthereuchtraffic.offseason,youknow.”

    adriennenodded.

    jeanleanedbaherchair.“diditgookaydidntruinhisstay.”

    heatinghisnadeadriehroat.“idontthiorotheredhitall,”shesaid.

    “tellabouthifroisvoipressionthatheuffy.”

    “no,notall,hee.”

    “strangebeingalone”

    “no.notousedtoit.”

    jeaoseeifadriennehingelse,butshedidnt.

    “inued,“andyoudidnthaveanytroublebupthehouse”

    “no.”

    “ilad.iappree.iknoiguessfateonyourside,huh”

    “isupposenot.”

    perhapsithethatdreea.

    “ihatetodothistoyou,jean,”shesaid,tryingherbesttokehervoitired,aalongdrivetladyouhadagoodtiatthewedding.”

    jeanseyebrolyatherfriendsabruptendingtotheevening.

    “oh...hankyou,”shesaid.“goodnight.”

    “goodnight.”

    adrienneuldfeeljeansunadeherhestairs.afterunlogthedoorto

    theblueroosheslippedoutofherclothesandcraothebed,nakedandalone.

    sheuldsllpaulonthepilloell,fightingsleepuntilsheulddosonolonger.hefollooing,shestartedapotofffeeandtookanotherhebeach.

    shepassedterairovertheisland,andshekneorepeopletotheersedge.

    paulageinhernd,sothihaveseenohenaturebledbuildingssurroundedbyanencroagjusinacurvingdirtroadoutfroicbirdschirpinginthebackgroundbutshedoubtedthatshe

    ...

    栗子网  www.lizi.tw栗子网  www.lizi.tw小说站  www.xsz.tweetinghadgone,andind.

    thekiteonehuing.

    adriennefollocrackedopen.adriennedrehedooropenfarther,andsauginthefinalerofafreshsheet.theoldlihelihat

    hadoher,hadbeenbundledandtossedonthefloor.

    adriearedatthesheets,knoelledpaulflanneragain.sheinhaledraggedly,tryingtostifleacry.

    jeantuedinsurpriseatthesound,hereyeswide.

    “adrienne”sheasked.“areyouokay”

    butadrienneuldntansthispointon,shearkingthedaysonthedaruntilpaulretued.

    “paul,”adrienneanser,“isinecuador.”hervoice,shenoted,eady.

    “eaed.herfiappedthetableasshestaredatherther.“eback”

    “heuldnt.”

    “”

    insteadofansinside,shepulledoutapieandaasifithadbeentofrostudentsnotebook.foldedover,ithadyelloandasaothersnatenacrossthefront.

    “beforeitellyou,”adrienneon,“itoansherquestion.”

    “otherquestion”

    adriennesled.“youaskede.”sheslidthepieceofpaperacrossthetablethter.“thisisthenoteheeohatheleft.”

    aatedbeforetakingit,thensloothersittingaher,shebegantoread.

    dearadrienne,

    youeoing,andthoughikisupposethatsohetraitsthatsstayede,theoantinlife.

    ifyourereadingthis,ita.finishedgoingtogodoundeoillusionsastoe.

    thisisntagoodbye,andidontontthatitsthereasonforthisletter.rather,ioingtolookattheyearaheadasaakeitthroughtheyearhoutyou.

    ifiyeyes,iseeyouhebeaourfirstnighttogether.hlightningflickeringonyourface,youelybeautiful,andithinkthatspartofthereasonioopenuptoyouina

    oved.itnsenseeottoknooreirealizedhouanforhavinghadthecetoetoknowyou.

    ihopethatyouredoingokay.asinot.sayinggoodbyetoyoutodayisthehardestthingilleverhavetodo,ande.youarethebestthingthatseverhappeo.issyoualready,butiureihatyoullbeealedrea

    paul

    theyearfolloiledre,theysotisnted,andevenheraroundher.

    shethoughtofpaulalonts,buthisigeostrealailtruguptheroad,stoppingandstartingheachdeliveryoe.

    theilusuallyarrivedbetoing,andadrienneailenvelopeshefavored,postagestasthatdepictedaescraheupperlefthander.

    eresloeessageinpaulsnotehadbeehoughitorfeelinghisararouhepassioninhisehoadethedistanagiabattereddesk,asinglebulbillunatiisherigestookonefhttakeanother,dependingoen,andadrieryingtodivinehisspirit.

    sheasostseehiesideher;ifthebreezevedherhair,itontstogether,holdingeachotheronthegraveleddrive,the

    ...

    栗子小说    m.lizi.tw小说站  www.xsz.tw栗子网  www.lizi.twsoftbrushofhislips,theproseofasingleyearapart,thenalifetitogether.

    paulalsoissedher.hecalledduringtheday,inutes,butupledonths.

    atthelibrary,shebeganphotopyingpagesfrovarietyofbooksonegeographytohistory,anythingthatagazineandsatforhoursstudyingthepiues,despiteherself,sheheranyof

    theenthereeverlookedathidesireshehad.

    shealsosationonpaulslifeinraleigh.sheiohatsheatthetopoftheartiosthardexpressionthatfeltunfaliar.shereeredhehinkoftheartioherheitatall.

    shealsofoundsophotosofhinoldpiesoftheraleighingthegoveororattendingtheopeningoftheosle.itagine.

    ieverynth.she,assungthatherethingaboutthebuttheyintheirownworldsandneverdid.

    injune,shebacktorodantheforalongweekend

    ededgyesheal.adriehathernch,butsheneverfoundohathadntbeenbrokeninthewaves.

    e,therepaulonthsearlier,helookedhealthy.sheproppedthephotographagainstthesaltandpeppershakersasshealetterinresponse.inhisletter,hedaskedforaphotographofher,aedthroughherphotoalbuuntilshefoundohatshe.

    suerostofjulyandaanddahesofterautusunlight,shebeganthinkingofthingsthatpauladotogetheraginedgoingtothebiltreestateinashevilletoseetheholidayderations;sheeoverfhtaftertheneile,jeanugexpressionthat

    saidshedknoingtheirvisit.

    nousingthati,therehadbeenntsostbelievedtheydreallyhappened.sheusedtoigihesetis,despiteherbestiions,shesilyuld.

    “urredassheloother.

    adriennefoldeditalongitsinalarkhadtaken.

    “thisispaul,”shesaid.

    andatookthephoto.despitehisage,heorehandsothanshehadigined.shestaredattheeyesthathadseedtosoont,shesled.

    “iore”

    “no,”shesaid,“thatsit.”

    andaudyioagain.

    “youdescribedhirk”

    “no,huttheylookalike,”adriennesaid.

    “youthi

    “yes,”shesaid.

    “where”

    “here.”

    andaseyebrothehouse”

    “hesattingnow.”

    “e”

    “inschool.”

    andashookherhead,tryingtoprocessthision.“yourstettingnfusing,”shesaid.

    adriennelookedathetable.assheleftthekit,shee,too.”

    byoehisearlierstrokes,thoughnotenoughtoallotoleavethenursingho.adriennehadbeenspendingtiasalpanyanddoingherbesttokehiorefortable.

    bybudgetinginthehountilapril,hutafterthat,sheeba.

    onstdaysoingnursesbelievedthatnoisewould

    sohoind.thefirstthingadriennedide,she,butforth

    ...

    小说站  www.xsz.tw栗子网  www.lizi.tw栗子小说    m.lizi.tweiroportanttospendtiilyingoodtisandindifficultones,forthelessonsituldteach.

    herfatherhadlosttheabilitytospeak,butshekne.ilehadaaturityandpatienantheyhadonessurprisedherbydenstratingthosequalities,theyfortableadetheisit.itaginefagandightendupthatway.

    shephispilloeshefilledhinonreily,orhoniberherellofaquavelvaonhisface,pitghayinthehorsestall,thebrushofstubbleashedkissedhergoodnight,thetelegirl.

    onthedaybeforehallo,

    knoehefinallyknew.

    “theressothingihavetotellyou,”shebegan.then,assilyaspossible,shetoldhiboutpaulandhouchheanttoher.

    eeredindedherofpuffsoftton.

    hesledthen,hisile,andthoughhedenosound,ovedhislips,shekneheryingtosay.

    thebackofherthroattightened,andsheleanedacrossthebed,restingherheadonhischest.hisgoodhandovingandlight.behher,sheuldfeelhisribs,brittleandfraillebeatingofhisheart.

    “oh,daddy,”sheproudofyou,too.”

    inthelivingrooadriey,areetlightseagiruder.

    aofihadbeenalongnightforbothoftheandadriennebroughtherfiheglass.

    hadtheybeentoeachother,sheandpauleven

    noaboyfriesoundasifheallpartofedtodefydesethingaboutsooheirlife.

    aboveher,aringedonorrooing,itanda.

    andahaveleaedbyreadingthehedetailsofpaulslifeattheanda.theiteshehadsetasidewouldbeenough.

    yetondap,sheeaoherthananythingelsesheowned.

    tonight,despitethepresenessheeinto

    herlife.perhapsshearriedagain,andthoughshesuspectedsheenhershekedagoodhusband.

    iteofherarried.stofthesegeheyrriedseedniaroublethantheyindingherofissing.orizedthefirstdayshedreadthebr >

    ofyou,andyar.ifanything,ourtiaparthasonlydereydayshyourheart.

    orthese,froheletter

    agineyoufeelne.isitthatinderforeverthatadeitthroughthisti.

    thankyouforhelpingsurvivethisyear,butrethan

    that,thankyouinadvanceforalltheyearstoe.

    oreventhese,afterheandrkhadanarguntlaterinthesuer,sothingthatiablylefthiepressed.

    theressoeerthelasttithatie...butyouhaveaakingsorroyasareetistheonlythingsthatkeepgoing.

    staringatthedistantfaoon,adriennekneanlikepaulagain,andassheleanedherheadagainsttheolpane,shesensedandaspresencebehindher.adriennesighed,kofinishthis.

    “heas,”adriennesaid,hervoiandahadtostrai.“ihaditall,”shesaid,“sorkintheboxoablethatexplaihing.”

    “happened”

    in

    ...

    栗子网  www.lizi.tw栗子网  www.lizi.tw栗子小说    m.lizi.twthedarkness,adriennefinallytued.herfacewas

    halfinshadoothersfadafeltasuddenchill.

    ittookantforadrienoahroughthedarkness.

    “dontyouknow”shewhispered.

    seventeen

    theletter,andasaenotebookpaperthatpaulhadusedtoblingslightly,andalaidthelatoable.

    then,hadeepbreath,sheloweredhergaze.

    dearadrienne,

    asisithere,irealizethatidontevenknosupposedtobegierlikethis.afterall,et,andthoughiknoyfather,itsnotthesa.fartofyinjuries,iuldntleavejustyet.sohereiastrugglingforeananythingatall.

    iorrythatididntcall,butthen,idecidedthatitgoingtobeanyeasiertohearihavetosay.

    itilltryingtokeseself,andthatspartofthereasoning.

    iknoyfathertoldyouabout,butithinkitsiortantthatyouknoperspeanwholovedyou.

    youhavetouandthatynd;butheandaboutthebidreeerthatyskindergartenthrougheighthgrade,fatheeverdeitooabaseballga,orplayedentiohathedtoldyousoofthis,butbelieveadeitseeeerhopingthatidneverseehigain.

    then,ofallthings,hedesuddenlytryingtoaoreeffiorelivableforus.orevencallingisoovertheyearstaeerphysisto

    akingsuretheentirepressrpsbaehearrived,iybagsandgoingho,leavinghiehind.ihadadozenresponseslinedupforjustaboutanythingithoughtheghtsay.apologyalittlelateforthat.goodtoseeyoue.ithinkyexpression,hesilynoddedandactduringthefirsthere.

    itdidoreverttohisoldonit.butheneverdid.heneverplainedabouttheittedthatfatherhadbeentheoneainanonyus.

    ostappreyndaboutthosethings.hedidntpressureinanyyguarddo.

    iguesstryingtosayisthatfatherhadthatadesoetyou,youainreasoyou,heething.afteryoucaalong,hedalreadyfoundit.

    fathertalkedaboutyoualltheti,andiaginehoaershesthavesentyou.helovedyou,butiureyouknoightnotknoealong,iotentirely.fatherhadaother,itisnteasyfortoekohi

    sohoyfather,aherintoanthatissalready.yousavedhiandbydoingso,iguessthatinaeaswell.

    heountainsbee,youknoud.aihaudslide,heheonewho

    ndeeredanotherjeepoverthediree.dade,andsittingbehindtheeideverthoughtofhinthatyfather,butnotdad,ifyouknoean.

    adeitoutjustinri.inutes,ountaihateachotherthen,uobelievehohadbeen.

    iostdeitback.iuldevehelightsfroheithevalleybeloblingdoountain.

    otherthanbreakingarndseveralribs,idiatelythatdadeersyhandandheldinplace.ithinkevenhekover,aay.

    then,thisnylife

    ...

    台湾小说网  www.192.tw台湾小说网  www.192.tw小说站  www.xsz.twaskedtivehi

    helovedyou,adrienne.pleasedonteverfetthat.despitetheshorttiyouspent,headoredyou,andierriblysorryforyourloss.e,fallbathekhingforyouthathedid

    for,butbecauseofyou,ihecetoget

    toknoydad.

    iguesstryingtosayis,thankyou.

    rkflanner

    andaloostdarki,aloneandafoldedtheletter,thinkingofpaulnoother,and,oddly,thinkingofbrent.

    assonyyearsagohootherhadbeen,theslesthataledalittleforced,theunexplaihattheydallassudhadsothingtodohtheirfather.

    and,throughitall,shehadsaidnothing.

    despitethefaandaexperiencedehonedifference.

    unlikeher,hertherhadntbeehecetosaygoodbye.

    utedsoundshterssobs,adrienuedfrohe

    anddeherandalookedupinsilence,hereyesfilledhunspokenanguish.

    adrieoodoving,s.instinotheranddaughterstoodie.

    eighteen

    theairhadchilledslightly,andadriennehadlitafeandlightthespace.sittingatthetable,shehadputrksletterbatheboxandachedhersoberly,herhandsinherlap.

    “iorry,”shesaidquietly.“foreverything.forlosingpaul,forhavingtolivethroughthatalone.itigihavebeeokeepallofthatinside.”

    “heri,”adriennesaid.“thereshouthelp.”

    andashookherhead.“butyoudid,”shewhispered.

    “no,”adriennesaid.“isurvived,butididntdoitalone.”

    andalookedpuzzled.adrienneofferedheralanile.

    “graa,”shefinallysaid.“daddy.thatswhoi

    criedeverydayfor,idontknoiwouldhavedone.”

    “but...“andatrailedoff,andadrienneonforher.

    “butheuldntsayanything”adriennepaused.“hedidnthaveto,helistened,andthatadethepaingoaedhergaze.“youknohataswellasido.”

    andapressedherlipstogether.“ie,”shesaid.“beforenoean.”

    “becauseofbrent”

    andanodded.

    “ikos.”

    foralongnt,andasaidnothing.

    “itisntfair.youandpaul,a,”shewhispered.

    “no,itisnt.”

    “holikethat”adrienneslede.isntthatoingsandtellselfthationlyhadtobestrongforoneday.justoneday.ididthatoverandover.”

    “youkeitsoundsosile,”andawhispered.

    “iteieverthrough.”

    “evehan”

    “thatoo,butthis.”adrienne

    flashedaquieer“

    andalookedaeethi”

    “you.inti,ian.baightnothave.youillhopingthatyourdadandibacktogether.”

    andashandask.

    “youvelostalotinyourlife.”

    “yes,ihave.”

    “butyouseeohappynow.”

    “ia”

    “hoanyoube”

    adriennebroughtherhandstogether.“ighthavebeen,ofurseitkessad.itdidthen,anditstilldoeshingelse,too:ashardasitforanything.”

    shepaused,kingsureherdaughteruoodthat.“inrksletter,hesaidthatisavedpaulfroielf.butifrkhadasked,ie.hadihiidoubtieverrandtheriao,iountknohatiobeokay,thatthings,thatno

    tterakeit.andtheyearethestrengthineeded.yes,i,butifsohoethistiknotogobeakethingsrighthadal.andittoolate.”

    andalookedaaxandgregaswell.

    “thatsthebeginning,”adrieanthisrelationshipeantforrktoknoorehanyoualreadyhavenow.”

    adriennereaberthegoodnts,notthebadones.andaboveall,hetoknohatyoingtobeokay,too.”

    “iknohat”

    adrieheroffhagentlesqueeze,ingherfinish.“yourestrohanyouthinkyouare,”sheon,“butonlyifyoutobe.”

    “itsnotthateasy.”

    “ofurseitisnt,butyouhavetouandthatibr >

    nottalkingaboutyouretions.th

    ...

    栗子小说    m.lizi.tw台湾小说网  www.192.tw栗子小说    m.lizi.twoseyouontselikethis,aanda.idontthinkthereseverbeenatiore.butlately,youhaveherefortheiknoookeepgoinglikethis.brenthaveedit,andyourchildrenarepayingtheprice.”

    asadriennefinished,aobestudyiable.butthen,alstasifvinginslootion,sheraisedherheadandlookedup.

    aschassheandahinking.

    danauedho.theatiotetotudoe.

    “iakeitback,”hesaid.

    “oh,hey,”andasaid,lookingaround.“heboys”

    dantionedhhisheadasheaddedagreentowel

    tothestack,“theyjustgotintobedafeinutesago.theyreprobablystillatosaygoodnight.”

    “whereareyourkids”

    “idroppedtheffe.justtoletyouknoepizzasauhissobydouessitsoneofhisfavorites,becausehegotprettyupsetaboutit.ivegotitsoakinginthesinknoover.”

    andanodded.“illgetsothisoutofotherthings,too.”

    danlookedathissister.“ifyoukealist,kirauldpickupyouneed.iknoothestore.”

    “thanksfortheoffer,butitstiistartdoingthatforselfagain.”

    “okay...“hesledunoherhenorhissistersaidanything.

    “thanksfortakingtheboysout,”andasaidfinally.

    danshrugged.“nobigdeal.enjoyit.”

    andasvoiesyouvedohatlately.notjusttonight.youandtthavebeesince...sinceilostbrent,andidontknouchiappreciatethat.”

    danlookedaentionofbrentsna.hereaptylaundrybasket.

    “ototheother,holdingthebasketinfrontofhi“etosorrohinkingofgoingonabikeridehthekids.”

    andashookherhead.“thanks,butithinkillpass.”danlookedather,hisexpressiondubious,anda

    didice.sheslippedoffherjacketaonthechairalongforquiteaonight.”

    “ohhogo”

    “youbelievehalfofitifitoldyou.”

    “didshesay”

    “youhadtobethere.butileaedsothingabouthertonight.”

    danckedaneyebroing.

    “shestougherthanshelooks,”andasaid.

    danlaughed.“yeah,sure,shestoughallright.shecrieshegoldfishdie.”

    “thatybetrue,butinalassheis.”

    “illbet.”

    ed.

    “o

    daafeier,aehisattetstofindoutotherhadtoldanda,shehadrefusedtotellhisheuoodthereasonsforhertherssilehiandintheyearssindkherelldanodoso.

    andalo.inadditiontofoldingtheeeredthatbeforeshedleft,thereptycupsoable,ayearsagaziackedhaphazardlyonthedeskbythedoor.

    danhadtakencareofeverything.again.

    andatuedoutthelights,thinkingofbrent,thinkingofthelasteightnths,thinkingofheratoneendofthehail;thesterbedroodtoofartotravelattheendoftheday.beforebrenthadpassedafrollbookshlorfuldraheverstotheirs.

    tonight,herbrotherhaddohatforher.lastnight,noonehaddoall.

    andaheadedupstairs.thehouse,peeking

    in.

    theysleptintfortersderatedtheoutlethebledtheirfather.

    theydstoppedving.kno,theytheirther.

    thefloorsqueakedbehheredtobeholdinghisbreath.gregpeekedather,thensnappedhiseyelidsshutasandasatbesidehileaningover,shekissedhinthecheekandralehandthroughhishair.

    “hey,”shewhispered.“areyousleeping”

    “yes,”hesaid.

    andasled.“doyoutonightinthebigbed”shewhispered.

    itseedtotakeantbefuoodshedsaid.“hyou”

    “yeah.”

    “okay,”hesaid,andandakissedhigaioxsbed.hishairglitteredgoldinthelightfroheastinsel.

    “hey,sie.”

    xse,too”

    “ifyouto.”

    “okay,”hesaid.

    andasledastheygotup,butandapulledtheaelledlikelittleboys:dirtandsgrass,innoceitself.

    “hoorroeicecrea”shesaid.

    “axasked.

    andasqueezedtheighter,closinghereyes.

    “alldaylong.aday,too,ifyouto.”

    nieen

    itidnightno,adriehenchasshesatonthebed.danhadcalledanhourearlier,fullofneanda.

    “shetoldsheorro.thattheyospendsotio”hepaused.“idontknoyousaid,butigu

    ...

    台湾小说网  www.192.tw小说站  www.xsz.tw小说站  www.xsz.twesseveritwasworked.”

    “ilad.”

    “sospectaboutit.”

    “thesathingivebeensayingallalong.thesathingyouandtthavebeensaying.”

    “thene”

    “iguess,”adriennesaid,dratheedto.”

    later,aftershedhungupthephone,adriehelettersfroaul,justasshedknohough

    hises,too,theonesshehadetoherhousetonthsafterpaulhadbeenburiedinecuador,

    andahadfottentoaskaboutrksvisitbeforeshedgone,andadriennehadntrendedher.inti,andaghtbringitupagain,butevennouchsheheoofthestoryshedkepteoherselfovertheyears,lockedaheletters.eveherdidntknopaulhaddone.

    inthepaleglothebedandtookajacketandscarffrohecloset,thenairs.sheunlockedthebackdoorandsteppedoutside.

    starsagineighbination,sheuldalstsllsaltintheair,asifseastetothehouseonafebruarying;hisaruuailesassheopehedoor,adrienookasllstepbackryinghardtoholdbackthetears.

    theysatatthetable,t,andrkrevedthelettersfrohebaghedbrought.

    “hesavedthe”hesaid.“ididntkoyou.”

    adriennenoddedasshetookthe

    “thankyouforyourletter,”shesaid.“iknousthavebeenforyoutoeit.”

    “youree,”hesaid,andforalongti,hee.

    noiledasshethoughtabouteeredgoingtovisitherfatherinthenursinghoafterrkhadleft,theplaceherfatheradearrasforherfathertobetakehereuntiltheendofhisdaysagifthehadhopedtosurpriseheradeitclearthatittoknohatsheacceptit.

    “please,”hefinallysaid,“itsydaded.”

    intheyearsthatfolloeryofthefeeahingtoher,eahingtoher,andinthechillyairofalateerevening,adrienway.

    shedalreadylivedthroughreyearsthanshehadreining,butithadhatloireyearshadslippedfroerry,eshedspeisbelievedthatshehadpassedthroughlifeoreaallchildonatongcarride,staringouttheheseryrolledpast.

    shehadfalleniainpassi,partofherhaddiedaswell.

    sheesituation,shekneuch.shedfoundloveandjoy,shedfoundastrengthsheneverknehinguldevertakethosethingsaway.

    butallofiteries,aru,sheraisedheraginedechoofynightinrodanthe.

    :凌落无声整理

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