I sat on my bed and stared at the empty bookcase across the room. It represents regret and hope, this bookshelf. It is folly and experience. Five empty shelves staring at you is a daunting thing, so I stood up, took Paradise Lost from the desk, and set it on the left side of the top shelf. Its brown leather spine has a stripe of deep red across it. Milton looks ready and willing and able to occupy the shelf alone until I can find him some companions. I appreciate his generosity. I truly do.
