DIALOGUE

The intruder moved closer. Knife again raised the gun.

"Knife, I've got money. I've got a job," the voice said.

"Honey?" What do you mean?" Knife felt the old surge of desire. The old sense of wonder at why she had stayed with him; why she'd come back.

"I've paid Jocko. I've brought food."

"How?"

"They hired me back at the mill. I can take care of us now."

They kissed.