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Show 20-2 "No." Mother glanced across the table at Father. He was stirring his coffee and didn't look up at her. "I'm going to see Eric. Well, actually, I am going to play. But only with him." I looked at Father again. He was drinking his coffee. Looking at the table. Was it all going to start again? "You know, Annie, I told you he used to be a fine musician." I looked at her. What was she doing? "Well, he's been practicing and we're going to play . . . try to play, some duets. Your father thought it might be good for him." Father? I looked across at him, calmly drinking his coffee. They didn't think I knew anything. Didn't know I had overheard Mother and Ruth talking. Then Father winked at me and put down his cup. "Best therapy in the world. Do what you know best, I always say." Father pushed back his chair and stood up. Then he stretched and yawned. "Come on, Katherine. Get your music and let's go. You have fun, Annie. Enjoy your vacation while you have it." And he left the room. I had to ask. "Mother, do you think it's ok? With Father, I mean?" She looked at me, a slight frown in her eyes. "What do you mean, all right with Father? You mean that I go out there? Annie, you're not the only one with ..." "No, I mean about Eric." "What have you been imagining? Eric is an old and dear friend of mine. Larry knows that. Knows what he meant to me." She started to clear the table, then set the cups back down. "You know, your life doesn't end when you marry. You still have loyalties and . . ." She paused. "Loyalties and friendships. You'll learn someday." |