He winced at her efforts to mollify him. Why didn't she say she was disgusted with his behavior, with his long absence, his infrequent superficial letters? And if she did say it - would he defend himself? Would he give reasons, try to explain how meaningless every endeavor seemed to him? No. For then, she would start crying again, he would tell her to stop being silly, she would ask for details, and he would tell her to mind her own business.

A Fine Balance