Carrie asked as she entered my room and opened the refrigerator. Her wine-drinking habit hadn’t changed a bit. “The hearing is just two weeks away,” I replied. The notice mentioned the date. I had’ to be present there with Stephen. “I asked about Stephen. How is he doing?”She turned her head to me, while she was still holding the refrigerator open. “What?” I was lost in thoughts of the case; I hadn’t’ heard what she’d ask. I assumed it was about the case. “When did you come in?” “…” Her lips were moving apart and then closer again and again, but I couldn’t hear her. Like somebody had pressed a mute button on her. “What is happening with you? Are you okay?” Her hands reached my shoulders and then she shook me. “Sorry.” I could hear her now. “I was thinking about the case. I’m really sorry. What did you ask?”
