Valerie regarded surprised, started out to say something, and then appeared to assume better of it. He sat there for a few seconds, hugging Richard with one arm, while he thinking about it. "I hadn't realized it had been that long, but I assume you are right." He laid his head on Richard 's shoulder and hugged him more tightly. "I am so sorry."
"If it is any comfort, it's no longer just you," I said. "Valerie and I don't seem to be doing a whole lot better with just the two of us."
Valerie raised his head. "It hasn't been months for us."
"No, but we're each tired, and holding each different occasionally looks like the fantastic issue in the world."
Valerie reached across to take my hand while he kept his arm round Richard 's shoulders, which meant we each had to let go of Richard 's ha
