― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince THE SOFT strains of Clair de Lune floated gently into the visitor’s lounge. The gorgeous melody soothed my nerves. I glanced at the enormous vase on the coffee table filled to capacity with dark pink roses in full bloom. Dad must have been here this morning, I mused as I turned toward Benny. He was staring at the familiar painting above the sofa and speaking in a low tone about a study he’d read about the soothing quality of art. “They say impressionism is especially calming. Personally, I think it’s a snooze fest. Don’t get me wrong, I like some of it. Cezanne is amazing and….” I tuned him out, knowing he wasn’t looking for feedback. He was nervous too. He’d been here with me before. He knew Miri now and understood she wouldn’t remember him, but Benny didn’t have a history with her. He had no expectations and wasn’t hurt that every visit required a reset. There was no chance to build a relationship. There was only this moment.
