” “It’s a likely explanation. Sit with him and talk to him about it, Shirley. Does he always come home after midnight when he goes to his meetin...s?”“No, he is always home by nine. I thought it strange that he wouldn’t be home till after midnight. Usually, the club shuts before ten.”“I think you should pick up the phone and call him. Ask him to come home as soon as possible to talk to you. Tell him that this is the most important discussion that you will ever have in your marriage. Tell him how. “As long as you don’t tell my dad!” I made my reply as light-hearted as possible, as if I didn’t really mind if he did or he didn’t, which was probably true. He looked relieved. “No, of course I won’t. I’m very grateful to you. I don’t think I could have managed on my own.” He blurted. A mischievous thought had been developing in my mind. “Well you better show me how grateful then.” I said, with a little menace. Giles looked puzzled. “How?” he asked. “Come with me,” I replied and led him by the. "Yah ARGHH!!!" The wordless bellow died and he felt a little better. "More scotch," he staggered to the sideboard to clutch the bottle like a lifeline. He pondered this image. 'I am drowning' he thought then aloud, "drowning my sorrows". This, too, he found ironic. He didn't usually drink. It was his wife - more accurately now his ex-wife - who liked to have her evening 'relaxer'. "Anything you can do, I can do better" His voice was cracked and harsh, redolent with pain. So he started to laugh. My hormones moved into overdrive…. being so close to her… but not knowing if she was just being polite to a nice older man… or perhaps anything more. I became quiet in trying to figure exactly where I stood… and she noticed and seemed uncomfortable. I finally said, ‘Can I walk you back to your room?’ and with a sweet dreamy smile she said ‘Yes.’ She let me hold her hand back to her room and at the door she stopped and ask… ‘I had the feeling you were trying to ask a question at the pond?’ I.