20.
Helen and Allan are in bed. They are wrapped in a post-coital embrace that is warm but embarrassing. The more years you are married, Helen thinks, the harder it gets to snuggle after s*x. Or anytime, for that matter. She remembers lying in Allan’s arms when they were first together and feeling completely comfortable. But now she is aware that her elbow is in the wrong place, her hip is falling asleep, her toenails need cutting. She is aware that Allan’s breath is a bit rancid, smells like gin and onions and toothpaste, and that he hasn’t shaved his neck lately. Helen wonders why he was sitting in his car outside her office when he should be working?
“How are your classes going?” Allan asks.
“So-so.” Helen rolls away from Allan, relieved to have an excuse to spread out her arms and l
