“There’s no sense arguing with somebody who’s already decided not to listen.”

“Get some sleep, Jodi,” Ben said gently.

“We’ve got a full book of hygiene patients starting at eight tomorrow.”

I hung up and went into the living room, leaving the overhead light off.

The house was cold, but I didn’t turn up the thermostat, thinking of the electric bill due at the end of the week.

The state auto insurance notice for the Buick lay on the sideboard beside the pile of mail, a bright yellow card reminding me that ninety-four dollars was due in ten days.

I sat down on the sofa in the dark and picked my phone up off the end table just to give my hands something to do.