That evening he ate dinner alone on the couch while the tree lights blinked across the room.

He was beginning to understand that consequences were not an attack simply because they hurt.

PART 18

Iris spent Christmas at Lena’s, joined by Michelle, Mr.

Ortega, and two friends from her old college study group.

There was no expensive centerpiece.

Their meal came from contributions carried in mismatched containers, and Lena forgot to put the rolls in the oven until everyone had finished eating.

Someone joked that the rolls would make a fine midnight snack.