OCR Text |
Show 85 Rod takes the drink, makes his way to the table at which Evan is already sitting. The room is ill-lit, filled with stale smoke and the odor of ashtrays, the rancid flavor of old spilled beer. Rod reflects that perhaps it is the last time they will have to drink here, however; things have changed, and they have only a single last question to resolve. "We can't very well leave him alone in that enormous house." That is the issue, and they both know what rides on it. They swallow their drinks, and stare at the surface of the table. "We could hire a housekeeper," says Evan. "Just while Annis is gone." "We could get him an apartment, or put him in the high-rise at that leisure-world place," says Rod. "They could both move to one of those villas when she gets out." "She doesn't want to go there." "Maybe she will, if it's that or the hospital." There is a long pause, and then Evan finally says what they have both known is coming: "I don't think we can just ship him off. I think we have to take him in." Rod does not answer. "You or me," muses Evan. "We have to take him in." Rod still does not answer. Then, "You," he says suddenly. ."It would be easy. You live by yourself, you could make a little room for him." "But you've got Alicia to help take care of him, and the kids. You could put him in that back apartment, you know, where the maid used to live." "That's the guest room now." |