Mirman was not sure when or how it happened, but after a couple of weeks, he found he looked forward to Gary and Angie’s weekly visits. He still could not bring himself to touch the dog, although she clearly didn’t understand why he shied away from contact with her. She did look and act very gentle, but his deep seated fears were hard to overcome. Perhaps in time he could.
With Gary, he felt much less reluctance. The veteran had a calm and pleasant manner, one that invited a friendly response and almost required it. The fourth time, when Gary was ready to leave near noon, Mirman invited him to lunch in the cafeteria. He felt that was the least small gesture of apology he could make after his initial hostility. The other man had never been anything but courteous and pleasant, despite the r
