That was enough.
More than enough.
I spent the rest of the day acting normal so badly that even I could feel it.
At dinner, Sonia talked about spelling practice while Elena smiled and nodded, and every time I looked at my wife I felt as though I were staring through a wall, sure that something huge was on the other side but still unable to break through it.
Elena asked whether I was feeling okay.
I said I was tired.
It was the kind of lie people say when they do not yet know how much truth is about to cost.
Before bed I stopped at Sonia’s door.
Her room smelled faintly of crayons and
baby shampoo.