“Don’t even joke about something like that.”

“I’m not joking.”

Margot turned down the heat on the stove, her mouth tightening. “Put your books away,” she told him. “And wash up. It’s time to eat.”

Tony folded his homework, put it in his history textbook, picked up his pen and pencil, and carried everything back to his room. He returned a moment later, helped his mother set the table, poured himself a glass of milk, and the two of them sat down to eat.

Daniel walked around the table, periodically reaching out and trying to touch either his wife or his son, but the barrier was always there. Margot and Tony ate dinner in silence, the only noise the occasional clink of silverware against plate and the quiet sounds of chewing and swallowing. The unspoken emotion between them was heart-rending. Tired, frustrated, Daniel sat down on the floor of the kitchen. He felt almost like crying, and it was only the fact that he had to keep his wits about him and remain sharp, ready for anything, that kept him from doing so.

Immediately after finishing his meal, Tony excused himself and went out to the living room to watch TV. Margot sighed, stared down into her nearly empty bowl, pushed a piece of carrot around with her spoon.

Daniel concentrated hard. “Margot,” he said, thought.

No response.

He kept trying as she cleared the table, washed the dishes, but there was no contact and he only ended up with a headache.

He walked out with her to the living room, and together he, his wife, and his son watched an old Humphrey Bogart movie.

Almost like a real family.

This time he did cry. He couldn’t help it. Maybe that’s what the House wanted, maybe he was falling right into the trap that had been set for him, but he didn’t give a shit. He sat on the floor, next to the couch, and let the tears flow.

After the movie, both Margot and Tony went to bed. It was early for Margot, past Tony’s bedtime, but these obviously weren’t ordinary circumstances, and Daniel walked with them, standing next to Margot as she watched Tony brush his teeth and then kissed him good night.

He followed her into the bedroom, watched her take off her clothes and then climb into bed, forgoing her usual shower. She pulled the covers up to her neck, clasped her hands.

Prayed.