Wonder this time where she's gone . . .

What was she like?

I don't know.

No, I'm not being evasive, it's just...it's just the truth. Nothing more.

What?

Yeah, okay. I'll try.

Once, about five years ago we went for a trip. Just a tour around the state. You know, drive along the coast, do some camping, maybe rent a cabin somewhere. And I remember that for the first two or three days she never said a word.

It seems like a mighty long time . . .

It was in 1965. I'm pretty sure it was on a Sunday morning, but I can't remember if it was in late April or early May. Early in the morning my mother dropped me off in the circle drive in front of the main entrance of the high school. She took my suitcase out of the trunk for me, and put it on the side walk next to those of my classmates. She asked me one last time if I was sure I would be all right, and then got back in the car and drove home.