“Well, maybe I’ll call them. Look at the mess I made,” she said.

He finished eating and got up to clear the table. When he was done she said, “I’m sorry I’m in such a bitch, Joe.”

“Hell, you were hit by a brick. I understand that.”

She reached for another cigarette and, after fumbling with the matches, got it lit. He went over to her and put his hand on her forehead. “I’m all right,” she said.

“Come to bed.”

She shook her head. “I’m wide awake.” She stood up. “You’re being nice. I’m trying to be cruel.”

“I didn’t hear it.”

“It was there. The funny thing is, I would like to go to bed—and pull the covers over my head.”

He kissed her cheek. “I need my sleep, Karen. I really do.”

“I know. Okay.”

Later, when he awoke, he found her asleep beside him, on top of the bedclothing, still wearing her slip. He left her alone, and later still, when he was ready to leave for work, he put a cover over her. She murmured something and he kissed her cheek. In the evening he called her and there was no answer. When he came home again the following morning, she was in bed in her nightgown, asleep. That afternoon he opened his eyes as she entered the bedroom, her coat unbuttoned and her kerchief undone.

“How are you feeling?” he asked.

“All right. I’ve done the shopping. Let me warm my hands and I’ll get your breakfast.” She slipped out of her coat and sat beside him. She had on one of her maternity outfits. “I’ve decided to get used to these. I wore one to the movies last night.” Color came to her face. “Make way for the pregnant lady.”

He rubbed her stomach. He was still trying to get used to the hardness of it. She leaned over and he kissed her. Her lips were cold from the outdoors.

“I take it you want to do me more damage?” she asked.

“That doesn’t sound cooperative.”

“Try me.”

“I am.”

“It doesn’t seem enthusiastic,” she said.

“Angry with me?”

“No. No, I’m not.”

“I know you’ve had a bad week, Karen. I’m trying to help.”

“And so am I,” she said. “I don’t want to rattle around here with my belly hanging low.”

“You’re not. You’ve been home exactly one day.”

“I’m going to call those envelope-addressing people tomorrow.”

“Why did you hesitate now? You still haven’t answered my question.”

“Fine,” he said.

“It took me a moment to remember what you were talking about. And why tomorrow? Yesterday you seemed ready to do it today.”

“I was hoping I’d get more encouragement from you.”