I went to them because we had plans for dessert, and because that was where I wanted to be.

<strong>PART 22</strong>

By autumn Zachary was studying mathematics at a public university a few hours away, while Nathan had chosen a research-intensive program farther north.

The house felt strangely enormous.

I found myself making enough pasta for three people and then remembering that I needed only one serving.

We called on Sundays, a routine the boys had suggested.

Sometimes the calls lasted an hour, full of questions about textbooks and laundry.