« He made his choice, Iris. »
« Nothing’s missing. »
She nodded because she had heard that sentence her whole life.
« He didn’t want the responsibility, » she said. « I know the drill, Mom. »
« That’s his loss, my darling. »
The lie came out smoothly because old lies knew the shape of my mouth.
The doorbell rang.
Iris jumped up. « He’s here! »
« I’ll stall him for two minutes while you get your shoes on. »
« I know the drill, Mom. »