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Show 16-3 My stomach lurched. "But, Katherine, that's not the same." "Yes, I know." Footsteps again. "Oh, Ruth, you know how I felt about Eric once. But that was long ago. I've changed, he's changed, I'm sure." "The world's changed." Ruth's quiet voice. I smelled smoke. They must have cigarettes. I leaned far out to try to see who was smoking but the perch roof blocked my view. I settled back to listen, my chin on my hand. "Yes, it's all different. So why . . ." "Because Larry doesn't know all this. From what you've said, you've not given him much reason to believe that your feelings have changed. Demanding to go see him. What is wrong with Eric, anyway?" "Shell shock. Nerves. He completely broke down in one of the last big battles and they practically had to carry him out." "Oh, damn." "Ruth!" "Oh well, no one can hear us." "Or see us. Smoking." They both giggled. "What will we be doing next?" "Voting, of course." "But anyway, he doesn't seem very bad. He seemed very normal the other night. Just a bit weak and pale." "He always was that. Honestly, Kate, how you can even think of him when you have a man like Lawrence Metcalf to live with." "I know, I seem so selfish. I just want to be his friend again. Maybe play duets with him, talk about music." "Relive the old days, you mean. Your youth." I couldn't hear Mother's reply. Then Ruth's voice, louder. |