17/03/2026 08:43

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An eight-track tape playerwrapped in a plastic bag. We turned into Mattie's dooryard at ten to eleven, and as I parked myChevy beside her rusted-out Jeep, the trailer door opened and Mat-tiecame out on the top step. But in placeslike Lane Forty-two, you find that all the smoke and mirrors have beenremoved. I went inside meaning to shower the dust and grime away, then spied myown bathing suitie, still lying in one of my open suitcases, and decidedto go swimming instead.

The old sportcoat made him look a little like a college professor,but he could have been a carpenter for all I know. It's quite all right, I said. A cramp of terror seized my belly. A long dream/ess nap.