Chapter 7
It was inevitable; I had to call Carla in Shermont, Ohio and explain to her that I could not—under any circumstances—return to the house on Murray Street in Pittsburgh. I had to explain to her that I was staying at the cabin for a few more weeks, that I didn’t belong in Pittsburgh any longer, and it would be insane to return there. I told Carla that I still loved her—no matter what our crisis entailed—and that I would always love her. I whispered into the phone that I felt changed, different, unsure of my life, and drawn away from so many things. A darker Nicholas West. A shadow of sorts without part of his soul—me!
Carla listened, understanding.
I told her about my father and his lover, the photographer at the cottage. His secret was exposed. His damage was felt. I mentioned
