Why, Bob wouldn't look twice at him. Bob was just interested, that's all. His curiosity was sort of piqued."

I kept on mechanically wiping dishes.

"There was a high-school teacher in Deep River. He and his sister lived together for years and I got to know his sister real well. We used to talk, his sister and I, I mean, and I got so I understood him. I always say the Lord makes everybody the way he wants them to be and it's not for us to judge. He was a nice man too. But I guess he was pretty lonesome in Deep River. That was one reason I didn't want Bob to stay there. You know what folks in small towns are like."

"Yes," I said.

"I've never talked like this to Joe. You know how men are. Maybe he wouldn't understand. He just thinks the world and all of Bob and I wouldn't want to say anything to upset him. He and Bob have always been pals. I guess if he thought Bob was-well-sort of different, well, I don't know."

She was swabbing off the sink.

"One thing I've thought," she said, looking at me, "was maybe Bob would like to know I understand."

"I think he might," I said.

"I don't think I could ever talk to him and it wouldn't be good for him to know while I was here. It might embarrass him. But maybe after we've left you' 11 find some way.

"I think I could find a way."

"Because I want him to know we're behind him a hundred per cent no matter what happens. He's just about everything to us."

"He is to me too," I said. She dried her hands.

"Well, I'm glad we're going to Randy's on Saturday. We' 11 have fun. And then, after we've gone to L. A., you think it over and do as you like. You'll find a way."

I followed her to the door. I'd find a way all right, but I'd have to be careful, because Bob was difficult at times. I remembered how once a boy had stopped seeing me after he found out his mother had written me a long letter approving of our friendship. Perhaps this would be different. Already, I felt much better. For several days now my shoulder had not been aching. Anna and I, quietly, entered the living room, where the television screen was blinking, splotching, and croaking.

NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS:

All material (including art work) becomes the property of ONE and shall not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed return envelope bearing sufficient return postage.

33