Chapter 19
A Gift Is Still a Question
Martin's loan became acceptable only after it stopped being his gift.
The cooperative agreement named interest, oversight and repayment. Celia could be grateful without becoming indebted in every sense at once.
Over coffee Martin admitted the sailing year had been designed to outrun retirement.
"At work I knew who I was. At home I kept making projects and calling them plans for us."
"You made me the audience for your panic."
"Yes."
No defence followed. It was the most intimate conversation of their marriage and arrived after its shape had broken.
Rowan joined them to discuss Toronto. Martin asked about the job, not whether it was safe. Celia asked when the flight left, not when Rowan would return.
Later Celia stood outside her daughter's room and let the closed door remain closed.