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When you realized he was gone you packed up all his goldfish and took them to the lake. At least you should stay together, you told them. And it should never be as easy to disappear as it is to break a promise. You unfastened your plastic backpack and let the fish shiver out into the silver water. You watched them for a moment, then opened the box of fish food you carried in your pocket. The fish never know when to stop eating—they’ll eat until they can no longer swallow—but why should you be responsible for them, other living things he abandoned? Shaking the whole box into the water, you watched while they frenzied for the particles. Then, tipping your suede hat in goodbye, you wished them all the luck in the world, reassuring them they were not lost, and could consider themselves at home anywhere they stayed together.