Cane didn't say a word as he walked me back home. I tried to initiate a conversation more than once but barely got a grunt back in response. After the third unanswered question, I gave up, following behind him and watching his stiff shoulders as he led the way.

Everything was fine until I mentioned the thread, so it had to be what triggered him. But why?

Cane's boots thumped onto the steps of my porch. He waited for me to unlock the door and came inside, methodically checking ...