Sunday arrived without permission. The house was awake before I was-- sunlight's on the curtains, with the clock insisting on time.

Everything moved forward with nothing moving between James and me at all.

He passed me without words.

I was getting used to it and I hope he doesn't get tired of it.

Only the chef and the security guard were present, and the house didn't look particularly busy, as usual.

"Good morning, ma'am "she said

"Hi. I made a list of what you'd be getting at the store. Did you see the note on the counter?" I asked her

"Yes, ma. I did", she replied.

I sat on the...