↓ Evelyn’s Response

Marguerite, the tomatoes detail is the one that stayed with me after I put your letter down, and I want you to know I understand exactly what you are carrying. Grief and unease together, with nowhere obvious to put either.

Let me address Biscuit first, because Biscuit is important and I do not want to bury this: dogs do not whine at nothing. In my experience — and I have more experience with post-substitution canine behaviour than I am entirely comfortable having — a border collie who has gone quiet and watchful at the perimeter is not confused or lonely. Biscuit is performing a function. She is holding the line. Please do not discourage this.