Wilson returned to his car and drove carefully away from the store and down the road. He caught a last glimpse of Clara in the rearview mirror and saw her smiling at Peter—a smile she had not given Wilson in years.

Wilson withdrew his gaze, telling himself that it was best not to bother her anymore.

When Clara was done with the inventory count, she looked up and realized that Wilson was not around. A strange disappointment filled her that Wilson was gone from the store.

Did he leave? Why d