Bessie’s grief is unabated in the days that follow the sudden death of her beloved cat Packer. It’s as if all the tragedy of last July has returned ten-fold into her heart. And maybe, she thinks, as she lies on her bedspread, still not showered at two in the afternoon, her hair matted and her teeth fuzzy, she deserves it. Haven’t I been almost feeling happy again? Dreaming of more kisses from Leif? When my precious friends, Jason and Ash, have had their lives on Earth cut off in their youth, thanks to my reckless idea of hitching to Vancouver to see Chris Lisacker in concert? Haven’t I been almost feeling happy again? Dreaming of more kisses from Leif? When my precious friends, Jason and Ash, have had their lives on Earth cut off in their youth, thanks to my reckless idea of hitching to

