Mother quickly collected herself, while gently patting Father’s offered hand and smoothing down her clothing. The latter, Orion knew, was done entirely out of habit, as she always looked pristine no matter what she was wearing. Slowly standing, she whispered something to Father and approached her offspring with a smile. “Come walk with me, my son,” she said. Falling in step with her, Father sat there as he watched the pair leave the room.<br/><br/>Clearly out of earshot of Father, she stated, “Now tell me truthfully, Orion. What is bothering you so?” The expression he offered her was one of utter disbelief, as if someone had just mentioned that the sky was no longer blue. “Seriously, Mother?!” he retorted. “You know what this is about. It is about . . . about . . . oh for the love of, I do not even know her name!”<br/><br/>“Oh yes, you do,” Mother shot back. “I know you know her name. You just choose to conveniently put it out of your mind when the situation suits you.” Sighing profoundly, Orion said in an exasperated tone, “I just do not think it is right to marry someone I do not even know. And I would bet anything that if you were to ask her, she would say the same thing as me.”<br/><br/>She looked at her son then, waiting for him to make eye contact before saying, “Well, it is not up to you two to make that decision.” Hoping to hold back as much sarcasm as possible, Orion had a one-word answer for her, “Clearly.” They continued their stroll in silence.