Если я останусь

           Shecametovisitusoncewhenyourdadwasaroundfiveorsix,andshehadthisrattyminkcoatwithher.Thiswasbeforeshegotallintotheanimalrightsandcrystalsandthelike.Thecoatsmelledterrible,likemothballs,liketheoldlinenswekeptinatrunkintheattic,andyourfathertooktocallingher‘AuntieTrunkSmell.’Sheneverknewthat.Butshelovedthathe’drebelledagainstus,orsoshethought,andshethoughtitwassomethingthatyourebelledalloveragainbybecomingaclassicalmusician.ThoughmuchasItriedtotellherthatitwasn’tthewayitwas,shedidn’tcare.Shehadherownideasaboutthings;Isupposewealldo."

           Grantwittersonforanotherfiveminutes,fillingmeinonmundanenews:Heatherhasdecidedshewantstobecomealibrarian.MycousinMatthewboughtamotorcycleandmyauntPatriciaisnotpleasedaboutthat.I’veheardherkeepuparunningstreamofcommentarylikethisforhourswhileshe’scookingdinnerorpottingorchids.Andlisteningtohernow,Icanalmostpictureusinhergreenhouse,whereeveninwinter,theairisalwayswarmandhumidandsmellsmustyandearthylikesoilwiththeslightesttingeofmanure.Granhand-collectscowshit,"cowpatties,"shecallsthem,andmixestheminwithmulchtomakeherownfertilizer.Grampsthinkssheshouldpatenttherecipeandsellitbecausesheusesitonherorchids,whicharealwayswinningawards.

           ItrytomeditateonthesoundofGran’svoice,tobecarriedawaybyherhappybabble.