FIFTY-SEVEN

ELLEN

I did not sleep that night. I kept watching Oliver while he slept. I cried at times but never let myself sniffle. Oliver had taken me into his room and had done everything for me. He helped tuck Sophie into bed, helped me to the bathroom, and helped me to bed.

He was a good man when he was close and all that sentiments and resentment I bore for him before seemed like they have never been there. I fell asleep in the early hours of the morning and did not wake until later in the day, although I was half awake when Oliver woke.

I knew when he went into the shower, and I knew when he got the call to go over to San Francisco, for a meeting. I heard him cuss about it, but he still packed his bags because it sounded urgent and I heard him calling Dante and the rest to inform them about the meeting.

I have forgotten that I will miss them too. I fell into another sleep and he went away. When I woke up, it was mid-morning. I took my shower and read the note Oliver