"Just go, John," Helen said, releasing his wrist. "Clearly being your friend is an impossible task if you insist on living in the past. I've moved on and I'm through with you in any sense other than as a dear friend. That's it."

She worked her lower lip lightly between her teeth. "But the greatest adventure of my long life was Ashley, just so you know, and I couldn't have done that without your contribution. I'm sorry you never had the chance to be a father to her."