He had read it over his toast and corn flakes, and only the paper held in front of his face had disguised the fact he had almost choked." What was the...letter dear? " asked Annie, his wife, innocently. He answered casually, but truthfully, " Just an invitation." Oh aye, to what?" The annual insurance salesman of the year awards. It's a company thing,” The lie skipped so easily, unexpectedly and convincingly off his tongue that he both surprised and frightened himself. “We all get an. "We're still waiting for grandchildren, youknow."With that, she tuned me out entirely, which is what she did wheneverconfronted with a difficult emotional situation. "Michael," she said,putting her hand on mine, and then pulling it back suddenly, as if shehad put it on a spider. "I just assumed we'd go out for dinner, so Idon't have a thing to eat. And I don't think your father wants to beseen with you the way you are."Then she paused, which meant it was my turn to say something. It. She dressed sedately, because shedidn't have anything real provocative to wear. She chose a little blackdress with a high collar and sleeves. All of her under were whiteutilitarian garb more what a nurse would wear. Her pantyhose were taupe,and she was not allowed stockings because they needed garters. The shoeswere black with two inch heels. Anything higher would need permissionfrom the warden. Last was her purse, a small clutch. all she had in itwas her wallet and ID. Money and credit cards. ” “What? You think there is something that can be done? What do you have in mind, Don?” “Honey, I know you like my son Randy and he certainly adores you. Do you think he could accompany you when I am gone on my work?” “Accompany me? Where would he accompany me? What do you mean? I don’t get it.” “Honey, what I mean is take my place as your husband when I am gone. I guess today they would call him to be a ‘surrogate’ husband. You know he likes to cook and ever since he went to camp he.