“This my son, Benny.” Now the old man's shrug was just a small shift of one shoulder. “So, Avram still think he gonna rent?” He frowned at the strangeness of the idea. “Nobody want place like this now. Is good for 1972, not now. He need look forward. Not back.”

Holding himself rigid, Avram Matteus Ider strode bravely from the aching house. In his jolliest voice he called out, “Thanks for coming over here! Was just thinking of calling!”