"A task that would be considerably easier if there were more choices, or the possibility of going somewhere else to start over," Joan supplies, not at all without empathy. It's a choice she and Arthur have also been discussing, but it's easier to do it together.

It's difficult, today, with the specter of early onset dementia looming over her, but she manages a small, reassuring smile. "I managed to make peace with Arthur's previous wife. Maybe in time it will become easier. Not that it's much of a consolation."