Karen

“The red splotches on Danny’s face increased. “Seriously?” Artie just looked at him. “Okay, well, thanks, Mr. Dam.” “You’re entirely welcome.” As they stood up Artie said, “Have a good Christmas,” and Danny said, “Yeah, I’ll try.” Artie tapped his own forehead. “Remember to keep all the fuck yous right up here. Think them if you need to, but keep them up here.” “Yeah, yeah, okay, I will.” Danny gave a small laugh, and then he said, “Hey, you do that too,” and Artie laughed loudly and said, “Okay, we have a deal.” As Danny left the room he turned around and said to Artie, “You have a good Christmas as well.” Artie said, “I’ll try.” And for those few seconds as they stood looking at each other—to Artie’s way of thinking—there was a real sense of communion between them.”
― Elizabeth Strout, The Things We Never Say