Never loved you. Thought I did, once a long time ago, when we were kids. But that was just a feeling I’d never felt before. A rush to the head. Causing nighttime sweats. Anxiety. After a while, it wore off. Then you were just another woman, he told her.

What do you think about? she asked. What goes through that fool head of yours? she brushed back her hair with long fingers. This is not what you wanted. Is it? I don’t think you know.

Know what?

What you want. One minute, you’re loving me, then the next you’re on some bus heading off somewhere. Santa Fe, Portland, Chicago, anywhere. Calling at all hours of the night.

Sorry.

Gotten used to it. Used to what feels like a broken heart, she reached in her purse and took out $500. The wife took off her ring and handed it all to him in one handful. Take this, she said. Just go.

You think it’s best?

Yes, I do.

Can I get a ride to the pawn shop?