She said, "Put that record on.
I want to hear that sad, sad song that feels like home."
Without a word he pulled it out and played the whole thing through.
She relished it and drank her fill. Sated, and falling asleep she said, "I love you darling and you give me what I need."
Wordlessly he pulled away and let her lay sleeping all alone as his mind raced on.
Leaving her behind he walked companionless, deep in thought. He did not utter needlessly into the dark. He lit a cigarette to skip a beat or two.
Until sleep called to him as well and silently he slipped into her sheets, he was home though she was not beside him.
