Following dessert, the search for Bill Icicle lasts for twenty minutes. He’s not in the attic. He’s not in the garage. He’s not in Sandy’s truck. And nor is he in the basement with Jake. He’s probably outside, hidden in the igloo next door, keeping clear of his family, just as he always does.
With or without Bill present, it is Willa who gathers her family into the living room, between the sofa and the Christmas tree. Pam, Jonah, Sandy, Bobo, Willa, and even Jake create a clumsy looking circle. Willa holds a wooden tray covered in glasses filled with a white-yellowish beverage.
Pam rifts, apologizes, and asks, “What’s in my dumblers.” She means to say tumblers, but it doesn’t come out this way. Perhaps she doesn’t need another drink this evening, but she won’t stop consuming alcohol unti
