"Kilby, Joan - Temporary Wife" - читать интересную книгу автора (Kilby Joan)

control. He took a leaf from Lillian's book.

"I arranged with Granddad's neighbors to look after the dog until we
can figure out what to do with him. They'll feed the chickens and
collect the eggs, as well."

"That's nice of them. Did you ... cancel the phone and the
electricity?"

He understood her hesitation. Mundane details like a name in a phone
book or on a hydro bill gave a certain solidity to life, provided proof
of existence. And when they were cut off for good... It had been the
same when Dad had died five years ago and they'd had to cancel his car
insurance and credit cards. It was hard to let go.

"Let's keep the utilities going for a while," Burton replied.

"At least until you've sorted through his things. Until we've sorted
through them," he amended, knowing how hard it would be for her to do
it alone.

"All right. Thank you."

"How is it going with the funeral arrangements? Can I do anything?"

"No, I'm fine. I like to keep busy. It takes my mind off ... things."
The quaver in her voice was now clearly audible.

"I just wish I'd been there when he died. I wish..."

Burton's throat thickened with his own intertwining of grief and
guilt.

The image of Granddad as he'd found him replayed itself before his
mind's eye as it had done countless times over the past two days. For
months he'd been meaning to get out there and help fix the front steps
of the farmhouse. Why hadn't he made the time to just go and do it?

When he finally had gone, it was too late.

Old Doc Perkins had insisted that at Granddad's age, cardiac arrest
could have come at any time. Sure, Burton thought. One could also
argue that death was inevitable, a fact of nature, a peaceful end to a
full life. But no matter which rationalization he applied, William
Armstrong's death still felt like his fault. Granddad had always
taught Burton the meaning of responsibility. Death was the final
lesson.

"We're reading the will tonight," Catherine said.