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Miss Janine Sutcliffe comes to dinner

Right now he wishes to be something startling, like a person in a snowstorm.

Her jersey sleeves don't cover her wrists. Her right wrist has this big lump like someone stuck a needle in, filled it with air.

Alone in the kitchen, Janine walks right up close, whispers to his cheek, Federico, I'm thirsty. He reaches for a glass and she grabs his arm with that inflated hand, holds him there breathing. She spells him out like a new word.

Fed-der-ree-co.

He can't think what to say so he touches her lump. It's a miniature hill. She says, Sometimes the nurse drains liquid out but it's not dangerous.

They stand there quiet, not anything.