Roy hadn't come around much the last few years. He didn't leave the bank until well after dark most days, and the twins always seemed to be catching something. But he knew no one had scrubbed the old house’s walls, let alone dusted them, since Godknowswhen.

He hadn't even nodded in assent to his mother's request, only met her gaze with blank eyes. She had smiled slightly, her lips creasing almost imperceptibly. -- RJ