Free B0042JSO2G EBOK by Susan Minot Page A

There was a lost lamb outside a cave and inside thrones and asparagus. He bought her earrings and a blouse and a crucifix. They drank mango wine and the windows swung wide open in the morning. Ann watched him walk naked from the bed.
    They bought the house in Connecticut with the lawn stretching down to the water. There was a playhouse for the girls. They heard gulls cawing. They walked along the sea wall, raked leaves. At night it was black and quiet. Margie slept with the cat. There was a blizzard one spring. The eaves dripped. She planted tulips. On grey afternoons the vacuum hummed. A kite speared the ground like a dart. The girls were sprawled on the Sunday papers reading the funnies. She got a too short haircut. They shot clay pigeons, they shot ducks. They pulled her onto the bed. I
will always, I will never
The girls listened to her round belly.
When is it coming? How does it get out?
Constance wanted a brother, Margie wanted a brother too.
When is it coming out?
There were going to be two! Both boys. Ted had twins in his family. The scar would only show in a low bathing suit. He wasn’t there when she woke up, he had gone for a drink. When he came he kept his coat on. She could tell the babies apart, but that had happened yesterday, having the twins.
    Ted called her from upstairs. He called her from downstairs. Her life was checking off a list while he called. She changed diapers while he was calling. She fastened a bracelet against her rib. She tucked in the girls.
When are you coming back? One more kiss
She opened the window an inch, she left a crack of light in the door. She picked lint from their sweaters. Picked up the groceries. Picked out the fabric. Picked them up at school. Picked flowers.
What did you do today? What did you do? Because you’re my wife that’s why
. She ordered the liquor store to deliver
Ann come here! Ann! Ann!
She followed them down the dock. Followed them into the dining room. She fried bacon. She followed them into the darkness. They were at the office, they were playing golf. The children rode on their shoulders. They threw balls. She was in a box inthe window.
Nothings the matter why?
They mixed drinks.
Would you like another?
She never turned to another place, she never turned away.
Come here they said
. She was their wife.
Come here
. They handed back the baby. It was crying. Someone was always crying.
I’ll go see
She laughed when he did the snaps up wrong.
    She went shopping. The girls picked out shoes. She lay clothes on beds, tucked them into drawers. She was not in any other life only this one. She folded towels, sponged counters, wiped stoves, opened the icebox, set out tea cups, poured sugar bowls, baked potatoes, made hamburgers. They took it in front of the television. She had her hair done
you look nice tonight thank you
their hand pressed the small of her back, they played Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, she wept, they drove home
is anything the matter I’m just tired that’s all we’re all a little tired
She slept on the left side, she slept on the right depending on which one it was.
I’m sorry not now I’m trying to tell you! Alright I’m listening
She lost what she meant, she could not find it, he was shouting. He was not saying I
will always I will never
He was furious. He was screaming. He pushed her down. He hit her on the back.
Goddamn you don’t you ever
—no it could not have happened to her, that was someone else
because you’re my wife that’s why
She ran a bath. They were expected at dinner, ice dropped in glasses, red meat bled on plates, bright eyes in candlelight
you looked like you had a good time
She was in bed in the dark.
Come over here there you are
    She played tennis with the ladies. They lunched at the club—little white dresses, anklets with balls above the sneakers, bamboo sunglasses, bamboo pocketbooks. Four iced teas. Someone was putting in a new pool. Club sandwiches. Cottage cheese. Someone had a new sitter. Let’s split a dessert.