I'm Gone

by Jean Echenoz

  “Would you like to come in for a drink?” the girl offers kindly.

  Behind her, through the open door, Ferrer can see the repainted entrance, different furniture, an unfamiliar lamp, images hanging or pinned to the wall that neither he nor Suzanne would have owned. “Okay, sure,” he says. “But I don’t want to be any trouble.”

  “Not at all,” the girl says, smiling. “Come in.”

  “I’m really sorry,” says Ferrer, approaching cautiously. “This isn’t what I expected. It’s a bit difficult to explain.”

  “No problem,” says the girl. “I didn’t plan to be here either. There are some really nice people inside, you’ll see. Come on, come on in.”

  “All right,” says Ferrer, “but I’m only staying a moment. Just one drink and then I’m going.”

  PUBLISHING IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST

  Thank you for reading this book published by The New Press. The New Press is a nonprofit, public interest publisher. New Press books and authors play a crucial role in sparking conversations about the key political and social issues of our day.

  We hope you enjoyed this book and that you will stay in touch with The New Press. Here are a few ways to stay up to date with our books, events, and the issues we cover:

  •Sign up at www.thenewpress.com/subscribe to receive updates on New Press authors and issues and to be notified about local events

  •Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/newpressbooks

  •Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/thenewpress

  Please consider buying New Press books for yourself; for friends and family; or to donate to schools, libraries, community centers, prison libraries, and other organizations involved with the issues our authors write about.

  The New Press is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. You can also support our work with a tax-deductible gift by visiting www.thenewpress.com/donate.