However, the re-appearance of a long-forgotten family member tore our love nest apart. The phone rang out of the blue on a weekend afternoon. This is Henry, isn't it? " A nice salesman's voice inquired.

"Uh... yeah." I had no idea who it was.

"Hello, this is Dennis, your father." The odds are that you have forgotten about me, but you can bet the botHenry dollar that I have. How are things going? "Say, I think I should call my mother."

I went to Cathy and said, "There's a man on the phone, and he claims to be my father," and she agreed.

A burst of color faded from her face as she froze in place. When she realized what had happened, she closed her eyes. "What could he possibly...?" she said. When her hand reached her mouth, her teeth pressed carelessly on the thumb's knuckle in distraction. She got up after shaking her head and clearing her throat. She said, "I'll talk to him." with firmness.........