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I reassemble the Colt, load in a couple of slugs, and open the kitchen window. Put both shots dead center into a dusty pine tree on the hillside below. The jump of the pistol in my hand and the smell of the shots instantly brighten my mood.

The phone vibrates. Someone texted me. I ignore it. Pour more coffee.

I’m one step behind the world and it feels like I’ll never catch up. Like I’m just going through the motions of my old life. You know that kid you were friends with in grade school who never grew up? You kept them around because they meant something to you once and they’d be lost without you. But they’re a burden. Someone you have to apologize for and explain to your other friends. I don’t want to need explaining. I’d rather be back in Hell than be anyone’s eternal fool.

Yeah, these PTSD pills are going great.

The phone rings while I’m pouring another cup of coffee. Annoyed, I flip it over. It’s Candy. I hesitate but see that she’s the one who called and texted earlier. I have to admire that kind of obstinacy. So, I thumb the phone on. She speaks right away.

“Hey, you.”

“Hey yourself.”

“What are you doing?”

“I just shot some trees.”

“Sneaking up on you, were they?”

“Plus, one of them owed me money.”

She laughs a little. Says, “Why, the nerve. I once had to slap a rosebush.”

“For what?”

“It stung me with a thorn.”

“That’s what thorns are for.”

“Is that what thorns are for? I thought they were tiny hooks for mice to hang their hats.”

“Now you know better.”

“Poor mice. Nowhere to hang their hats.”

“Poor rosebush. You should apologize.”

“I will when you will.”

“To a tree? Never. They have gardeners and birds on their side. What do I have?”

“Me,” she says.

I don’t say anything for a minute, thinking. Then, “You sure about that?”

She sighs. Then, “Look, I know things are weird. But don’t ever think I don’t love you.”

“I didn’t say I did.”

“Didn’t you?”

“Is that what you really called me to say?”

“No. I called to tell you to get out of the damn house,” she says, kind of insistent.

I sip my coffee.

“I get out all the time.”