She said, 'If you really can't hear me, then I guess you'll just have to keep looking at me.' I said, 'I will.' Very normal. Very composed. What I meant was: I already do. Her mouth when she says my name. Her eyebrows when she's pretending her hand doesn't hurt. The way she pauses before repeating something so I don't feel stupid. I negotiate contracts for a living and somehow one woman telling me not to talk about myself like I'm defective nearly ended me in our kitchen. Do not laugh at married men. Some of us are hanging on by a wedding ring and a first-aid kit.