Then came the night when she held him close as a second great wave of anger smashed over him. This time it was anger at himself. He showered insults on himself, crudely and desperately, with the wrath of a man who realizes, with terrifying clarity, that he has irrevocably wasted a part of his life, and the time remaining is all too short. Catherine didn't stop him, she didn't mollify him, she didn't turn away. Then peace flooded through him. Because that short time would still be enough. Because a few days could contain a lifetime.