Gerald did not pick up the yellow check from the tablecloth.

He did not reach for his wine glass or call out to any of the departing guests.

He sat alone in his chair at table one, staring silently at the cashier’s check resting by his champagne saucer as the music started up again on the floor.

I did not step down from the low wooden stage to join him.

Around me, Mrs.

Gable and two of my old high school teachers were talking about military base logistics, asking how many officers served under my command at Scott Air Force Base.