I remembered breakfast.
Room-service eggs.
Rachel calling because a photograph from the lobby had appeared online.
Claire eating toast while Sophie explained that she needed to leave through the service elevator.
“I was dealing with a problem.”
“You were always dealing with a problem.”
“That’s the job.”
“I understand the job.”
Claire said it without anger.
That was worse.
She placed the wrapped glass inside the box and reached for another.
I looked around again.
The framed photograph from the hallway was gone.
Not one of us together. We did not display those.
It had been the lake behind her parents’ house.
Her yellow-handled mug was missing from the drying rack.
The basket of blankets contained only mine.
“This isn’t because I was late tonight.”
“No.”
“I told you rehearsal ran over.”
“I’m not leaving because of lighting cues.”
“Then stop packing while I’m trying to understand.”
Claire pulled tape across the box.
“I’ve been trying to help you understand for two years.”
The tape made a sharp sound.
I hated how final it sounded.
“I can cancel tomorrow morning.”
“No.”
“The radio spot isn’t essential.”
“You promised the station.”
