That suggests that the wifebeatings in this nation are running into the many millions annually!

The day was cloudy with intermittent rain.

We do not entertain as much anymore because of Derek. (He produces strain. We have to pretend he doesn't.) I used to like him when I still thought he was normal. I was fond of him. I used to call him Dirk, and Kiddo, Steamshovel, Dinky Boy, and Dicky Dare. Till I found out what he was. Now it's always formal: Derek.

Public fact becomes private reality, and the seasons of a Midwestern town become the Moirai of our small lives.