Death was surely not an ephemeral interloper; its lasting effect was grating and horrible and one was constantly reminded of the permanence of an immense loss.

“She felt her most recent lovers lay like dumb victims along her thighs.”

“His was cancer of the left lung; she had lost two breasts. Her grey eyes narrow…”

“When Flynn was drinking, the sun shone brighter, evening breezes were cooler, t…”

“She said he looked better. He insisted it wasn't true. Then both were silent. T…”