"I don't need mortality, or a tie, to do that," Ray insisted, finally pulling the two ends apart. In one smooth movement, he removed it from Asher's collar and with due care and attention, folded it in half and laid it on the mattress.

"Thank you for telling me." He didn't go into any more detail. It was obvious what he was talking about and he could confidently conclude it wasn't something Asher wanted to rehash. He was grateful though, but the feeling was tinged with guilt too, for not having shown the same honesty Asher had. He could share his story, tell him about Irene, Louis, Frankie, but it wasn't something he could just offer up. Today's conversation belonged to Asher and that was enough.