"He's gotten worse, Nate. He'll kiss me goodbye even if I'm just going to the toilet. And then when I've returned he'll squeeze my arm and hold my hand for five minutes. Samantha's become embarrassed to bring boys home."
"I'm sorry, Mom."
"He's started reading the death notices in the newspaper. I don't know why he can't take this business of the family tree to a professional. You've got your own things to do."
"It's fine Ma, I'll do it for him."
"He's driving me mad, Nathan. Last week- oh, here he comes. Dragging his slippers down the hallway- Yes, Sidney. Yes, I'm talking to Nathan. Alright. Alright, just hang on- He wants to talk you. We'll speak afterwards- I'm giving you the phone, Sidney. Here, I'm giving it to you. Take it-""Hi Natie. Hi my boy. How are you doing?"
"I'm okay, Dad, just a bit tired."
"How's the family tree coming?"
"Slowly. I've been busy."
"I'm sure. Your university work is very important. Have you included Barry Merkel?"
"What?"
"Barry Merkel, your mother's sister's first husband. Do you know who I'm talking about? Nathan?"
"I think so."
"If you've included him, I think that you should take him out. We never liked him. They didn't have any children together so he's practically a stranger to us. He's no good, Nathan. If you've put him in there, take him out, alright. He's no Shafer. He's a disgrace. Nathan?"
"Yes."
"Roger, her second husband, can stay."

"Nathan, are you still there?"
"I'm here, Mom."
"Do you have all the family documents that he's sent: the birth certificates, old school reports, a record of my parents' marriage...?"
"They're sitting on my desk."
"He's become desperately concrete. He believes that if we've got it all written down, no one can say that we weren't here. I see the value in his effort, but it's driven by neurosis."
"What's happening with Sam?"
"She's decided to go travelling before studying. She says that she's not ready for another institution, yet. Your father thinks that if she goes away, she'll never return."
"Hmmm."
"Nathan?"
"I'll do it, Ma, don't worry."
"It'll mean a lot to him."