Chapter 3
Ethan was waiting. Robert knew it as soon as he put the key in the lock because he could hear the thumping bass of some “trance” music the kid liked to listen to and that he could barely tolerate. Robert was certain that, whenever he was away, the music would start up: blaring, endless repeating rhythms. Unbearable. Robert was glad they lived in a well-insulated building. He didn’t need neighbor complaints added to the list of grievances in his relationship.
Robert paused before he opened the door, unsure how he would explain their new house guest but not too concerned, since Ethan owed him a lot of explaining. Besides, what he was doing was a good thing, a kindness to a stranger in trouble. Briefly, Robert wondered what Ethan would have done when confronted with the same situa
