“Then happiness becomes this arbitrary thing,” she said. She was excited, we could tell. Newborns crowned! and fell to the ground on palms and knees, then exploded into the air. All that glitter, you couldn’t breathe.

She went on, lighting cigarette after cigarette. Each one blackened and fell without intervention.

I listened. I worried her wrist would unscrew itself.

I thought so much didn’t mean anything more than what saying it made the next person say. The only weight anything carried evaporated once it struck – nothing was more than its immediate effect. I thought this drink was lovely thank you. And the hors d'oeuvres too yes I will that sounds fabulous have her give us a ring.