Nathan said that was the first answer that sounded real.

They talked for thirty-eight minutes.

Brian learned that Nathan liked physics more than chemistry and that he could not stand mushrooms.

Nathan learned that Brian had once repaired tractors with his uncle during summers and that he was terrible at crossword puzzles.

It was an oddly small conversation after thirteen enormous years.

On the way home Nathan said, “He’s not how I imagined him.”

“Better or worse?” I asked.