"Just right," Penn said, "for another couple of months." Arthur didn't want to ask: then what?"
"Then what?" Penn said. He finished his drink. "It's O.K. to ask. I don't know." He leaned toward Arthur. "Do me a favor, Arthur—try saying, out loud: I don't know." Arthur hesitated. "Come on now."
"I don't know," Arthur said and found himself smiling.
"You see," Penn said. "It's not a bad state." They had another round.
"I saw you once—driving by with one of my students."
"Pookie," Penn said. "I should have gotten in touch, but I thought you'd disapprove."
"She wasn't the brightest," Arthur said. "Attractive, though."
"Pookie could drink! Loved to swim, good dancer. How's your love life? Any little Arthurs around?"
"No."
"Me neither. I did have some step-kids for a while." Penn's expression lifted. "That was a good thing."