Please step inside, and excuse the smell of burning. We don’t know from where it came. The art on the walls is stunning, but please ignore it, as it cares only for itself and may leave you wanting. You’ll notice the intricate rug, imported from another country, where we traveled once. The trip seems long ago, and was filled with emotional trial. Thank you for asking, but we don’t care to talk about such difficult times. That is not a tear in my eye, and the choking quality you may hear in my voice was induced by an excess of elegant foreign cigarettes. Please don’t smoke inside.

The bed is large enough for company, but none of you may sleep here. …