My momentum is increased by the ease with which I recall David's comments. I make my way slowly through the living area towards the spacious master bedroom. My New York apartment is somewhat larger. What drew me to this hotel, this bar, and this suite was the overwhelming grandeur. It's different from the celebrations I've thrown for my prior adult birthdays, but in a good way.

It's all over now; things will never be the same.

After giving the bedroom some thought, I go and switch on the lights on both ends of the bed. Just enough illumination to get about, but not enough to dispel the shadowy allure of...