Home Entertainment Game Technology Advertisement Part 2: For eight years, my parents made me leave the house every time my brother brought his fiance over; Mom said, “She comes from a good family, don’t embarrass us”; Dad added, “Just disappear for the weekend”; I did; then one weekend, I never came back; it took them four years to find out where I went.

“You lost it anyway.”

The family house had been sold as part of restitution.

He gave a sad smile.

“I know.”

“Was it worth it?”

“No.”

Immediate.

At least that.

We reached the far fence separating my land from Ruth's peaches.

Dad looked toward the orchard.

“You came here every weekend.”

“Yes.”

“We thought you were just staying out of the way.”

I almost laughed.

“I was learning how to leave.”

Mom covered her mouth.

Ruth, a few yards away, wisely said nothing.

Our hour ended.

I checked my watch.

Mom noticed.

“We should go.”

I nodded.

At the gate, she turned.

“Can we come again?”

I thought.

Not because she deserved instant access.

Because I did not want my future dictated by a permanent reaction to their past.

“Call first.”

Her face softened.

“Okay.”

Dad nodded.

“Thank you.”

They left.

I locked the gate.

Then immediately unlocked it because customers were still arriving.