A Spool of Blue Thread

The narrative switches back to the present. Red’s moving out soon, but the family hangs up Halloween decorations anyway, because Abby made the ghost decorations from cheesecloth and hung them up every year. Denny announces during Saturday evening dinner that he’s returning to New Jersey the next morning, and the shock is palpable. Jeannie asks why he’s leaving before Red and Stem are settled, and Denny says it’s because Hurricane Sandy will soon make landfall and he needs to prep things at “home.” Red panics, since Denny is supposed to connect his Internet. Nora calms him, however, though she makes a crack about Denny being the “prodigal son.” Jeannie upbraids Denny further, reminding him how he always runs off whenever he chooses.

Red drags his feet Sunday morning, requesting eggs for breakfast when everything is packed. Nora, always gracious, acquiesces. He then eats slowly as the two Hughs load up cars with belongings. While Jeannie waits listlessly for Red, Denny arrives, packed and ready. Red mentions he had a dream about the house burning down, while Denny asks for a ride. Though Jeannie flat out refuses, Nora agrees. Red then asks Denny if he paid someone to play the French horn years prior so that the family might miss him.