After Hours at Dooryard Books

One sunny morning in May, Nathaniel goes by himself to the A his own left hand is still wedged behind her back. “We need to open the shop. Perhaps some of us can find another time to be obtuse and dramatic.”

Downstairs, Nathaniel flips the sign to Open while Patrick switches on the lights. “I apologize for making you worry,” Nathaniel says, his attention on some books that a customer put back horizontally. “I went out to buy milk.”

“You don’t need permission to buy milk.”

“Yes, well, I do know that. But we both know I don’t go anywhere without a minder.” Nathaniel means to sound matter of fact but it comes out pathetic. He pulls himself together. “I wanted to try. It was not a success.”