It felt less uncomfortable than I would have expected to check into a hotel with Karl. I’m sure that mother will know all about it in a matter of minutes. I went to high school with the desk clerk; gossip spreads quickly around here. I can’t bring myself to care.

The room is small, but comfortable. We’re sitting on the bed, facing the window that overlooks the town. We’re on an upper floor, so the view is nice. Karl is pensive, and I’m giving him all the time he needs ...