"So, how was the game?" his mother asked, handing him a cup of coffee, fixed just the way he liked it: Black with two sugars.

He let out a deep breath as a crease formed between his eyes. "Good."

"So, you like Kiki?" Evelyn asked, stirring her coffee as she studied her son's face.

"Good. Thanks," he replied, not paying attention as he took a sip of his coffee.

"So, the capital of North Dakota is Bismarck?" his mother teased.

"Uh huh." He stared into ...