I kept peeling the apple and ignored Charlotte. I noticed her standing still in front of me. I monitored what I was doing. I chopped the apple right now. After a time, and she still didn’t move her gaze away from me, I said something, “My husband doesn't say that he has an uninvited guest. Why does it look like your visit here is sudden and unannounced?” I let go of the small knife and laid it on the table. I took a slice of apple, dipped it in ketchup, then looked up at her. I saw that the mouthful I did stunned her. “What brings you here? Where is Randall?” She gripped her shoulder bag more tightly. What she was wearing now was a black skirt that would reveal her underwear if she moved. It was paired with emerald sleeveless shirts. It appeared to be backless. I couldn’t let go and

