THE EFFECT of the pills could not last forever, though. The morning sun came and with it his memory of the night’s events. Kathy said she wished she could stay with him but she had business to attend to. She left early and he picked up Jimmy and returned to his apartment, which now felt like a prison he had taken a lifetime lease on. There was only one solution to his dilemma. Kathy had said it. He had to take Jimmy and leave. Not even say goodbye to Amy. There was no other course and there was no point in delaying.

Yet he waited for her. She was supposed to come at twelve.

For once Amy arrived early. Perhaps she sensed something was wrong. Then again, she didn’t need to be psychic to know she was in trouble when she entered the apartment. He looked at her a long time and said nothing.

“What is it?” she asked.

He kept his voice low. Jimmy was asleep in the next room.

“I drove by your house last night. Saw you fucking David.”

She did not respond. Time took on an added dimension right then. It was as if he stared at her through a warped looking glass that distorted as well as revealed her. He did not recognize her—she looked like a witch. That was the point, though, he was finally seeing her as she really was. Amy died a little before him while the witch grew more substantial.

“I can explain,” she said.

He raised a hand. He was seated on his favorite chair, where they often snuggled.

“No. Don’t bother. I just wanted you to know that I know.”

“Matt.”

“I don’t want to hear your lies. It’s over between us.”

She came and knelt by his side. Already her eyes were damp. She tried to take his hand but he wouldn’t let her. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered.

“Right.”

“I do love you. I know you can’t believe that right now but it’s true. I know I lied to you when I said I wasn’t having sex with David. What happened between us last night was rare, but I admit it’s not the only time it’s happened since you came back into my life. But you have to understand why I lied to you. Why I am still sleeping with him. It’s not because I wanted to.”

“I heard your orgasm. It sounded like you enjoyed it.”

“You’re wrong. I faked that orgasm. I hate having sex with David. I hate him. But I’m still afraid of him. He still intimidates me. Yes, it’s my old lousy excuse but it’s still the truth. I’ve told you how horrible it is to live with him and you don’t listen. I’m a captive in that house. I don’t have my own free will.”

“You’re lying.”