Chapter 103: Mike Napa — 1979 Mike’s Tale

The only way to peace is through forgiveness, the only way to forgiveness through understanding, thinks Ryan. It’s a path I’m still traveling, a path easier because I am unencumbered by the things of this world, not trapped by time, or love, or lust, or need. But to comprehend the whole, I must know each part. I don’t yet, but I will. Ghosts are quantum. We can be in two places at the same time, see different histories before they meet to become one, watch many lives converge toward a single end.

The year is 1979, Mike is a beefy sixty-five-year-old construction worker. He lives in Napa. He enjoys cold ale, rare steak and baked potatoes rich with butter, sour cream. He loves his wife, Jennifer, and his twin daughters Ashley and Celeste.

Jennifer is a meaty blond, solid and cheerful. She is security, a quilted, down comforter, warm stew, and hot spiced cider on cold nights.