`On a whim, a man or woman may notice the uncanny way a man and woman fit together, physically, emotionally, spiritually, in domestic needs, socially . . .
`Or on a whim, a man or woman may turn their attention solely upon themselves, and in so doing, seek to extricate themselves, to clearly define themselves as individuals, to remake themselves, to study and understand themselves . . .
`Therein lies the rub! For Mankind there are five possible states of sovereignty: parental, personal, familial, spousal, and societal. Unlike Lily, I am free to reprioritize my personal state of affiliation!
`No, it is more than that! I can see it in her now! From day to day I react as need dictates, and she feels keenly the shift of my attention, where changing interactions and circumstances demand. How can I have been so blind to her suffering! See how pale she has become, and think, too, of how little she has been eating! Not enough to whet the appetite of a bird!
"Lily?" It was equally a question and an endearment.
"You have decided to speak at last," she said diffidently. "Will I want to hear your words, I wonder? You have been considering them for so long now, that I feel I should be on my guard."
The sight of her suffused features brought Anest to his knees. With fear indistinguishable from tenderness, he reached out a hand, carressed her cheek.