It's sadder as time goes by and you consider how much they've missed in your life. (Emily Giffin)

Heroin took on a new role in Tommy’s life when he returned to America, and so did Penny.

Penny’s parents had been at the airstrip with everyone else. Penny’s father shook Tommy’s hand and told him the country was indebted to him. He even consented to Penny spending time with the taboo boy.

The day Tommy returned Penny went to his father’s house for the first time and the circumstances couldn’t have been worse.

Penny had never seen their house before. It was tucked away in the trees. There was only one road in. It was wooded and winding. The woods turned into an open meadow and the road became barely visible as it was overrun by green grass. Not that anyone could lose their way because the titanic house at the base of the cliff that cut off the meadow would be impossible to miss.

Ricky’s girlfriend was living in the house now and she had added a woman’s touch with the money Senior had given her to decorate. Despite the expensive garnishes, the house was still empty. No matter what the budget Ricky’s girl didn’t have the class or the elegance to add any style to the residence. It would always be a boy’s house.

Nonetheless Penny was in awe of its grandeur: the Cadillac-dominated parking lot, the cherry oak floors, and the history of residents gone by echoing in the empty air. Yes, even while filled with marred patriots, the house still seemed empty.