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to come from me, not some news-paper. I’d completely forgotten about it. It happened over thirtyyears ago—and it’s never happened again. It was shortly after your mother died. I was so depressed,” said Ray. “It was a terrible time—for all of us, I know. I should have handled things better.”
    â€œDon’t,” said Jane.
    â€œNo, let me say this, Janey. I need to take responsibility. I was the adult and I blew it, in so many ways. I started drinking too much. It was stupid, I know, but I suppose I’m not the first guy who’s used alcohol to anesthetize his pain. Not that I’m excusing myself. I got stopped a couple of times for drunk driving. And now some reporter who checked my records is about to print a story in one of the local papers. I don’t think it will hurt me much, because, like I said, it was so long ago and it never happened again, but it could hurt you two if you heard about it in the wrong way. I care about you more than anything else in my life. So,” he said, leaning in to the table, “there it is. That’s my story. I’m sorry if it embarrasses you.”
    â€œGood grief, Dad,” said Peter, pushing his beer away. “You’re human. Don’t give it another thought.”
    Ray pressed his lips together and nodded. “Enough said. We don’t need to dredge that awful time back up again.”
    â€œDo you know which paper the story will appear in?” asked Jane.
    â€œThe
Star Tribune.
Probably tomorrow.”
    They sat for a moment, all of them gazing into the fire.
    â€œEither of you hungry?” asked Jane. “We’ve got some great shepherd’s pie on the menu tonight.”
    Peter rubbed the back of his neck. “Actually, since we’re in truth-telling mode here, I’ve got something I need to get off my chest. I’m afraid it’s not good news.” Pulling his beer back in front of him, he said, “I lost my job.”
    Jane turned to face him. “When? Why?”
    â€œIt happened in late February.”
    â€œWhat happened?” said Ray. “Be specific.”
    â€œThey’re downsizing at the station. It’s the economy, partly, and partly the new general manager. We didn’t exactly hit it off.”
    â€œDid they give you some kind of severance package?” asked Jane.
    â€œYeah, I’m okay for now.”
    â€œWhat are your plans?” asked Ray.
    â€œI’ve been looking for a cameraman job in this market but it just isn’t going to happen. The reason I’m telling you now is that I’ve been offered a job in Oklahoma City. It doesn’t pay all that well, and Sigrid isn’t exactly thrilled to move to Oklahoma, but I’m thinking of taking it.”
    â€œWhat about her job?” asked Jane. “She’s been at that family practice clinic for quite a few years now.”
    â€œTo be honest”—he looked down at his hands—“I’m not sure she’s coming with me.”
    Jane and her dad exchanged glances.
    â€œI thought you two had worked out your problems,” said Ray.
    â€œWe called a cease-fire, but no, we never really settled anything. It’s hard to talk about, Dad. There are things you don’t know, things I can’t tell either of you.”
    â€œBecause Sigrid asked you not to?” said Jane.
    Peter nodded.
    What Jane did know was that a couple years ago, Peter and Sigrid had split up. Peter desperately wanted to start a family, but Sigrid didn’t. They loved each other—that was never in question—but they were at an impasse. There was no middle ground in this kind of decision. If they stayed together, one of them would eventually have to give up or give in.
    â€œWhat if you didn’t take that job?” asked Ray, removing his glasses and using Jane’s paper napkin to polish the lenses. “If you stayed in town, would you and Sigrid still