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.

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