The Woods

The sense of being loved turns her outward; she talks nonstop about many different things surrounding them, but Nick does not seem to care; all he sees is Ruth and he takes her inside to make love

Later, practically all is destroyed between them. He turns fretful, fearful; after desire is appeased she becomes the thinnest wisp against a threatening world to him

Her efforts to maintain their kingdom disintegrate as he turns in on himself. The closeness between them conceals an immense distance; they have a violent quarrel and she prepares to leave

Suddenly they cling to each other without joy or hope, simply from need

"He has never written better" ~ N.Y. Times Magazine