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Jeremy missed his presentation. He had a leather portfolio with graphs inside. He called me and told me why, said he had the flu, could not leave home. His daughter has not returned his letters. But he said it does not bother him. Whiskey goes to his lips as he says this to me. I resist the urge to touch his shoulder. I cannot decide what to say to him. Something about love within a family comes out of my mouth. Another whiskey comes and goes for the both of us. He embraces me after midnight. The collar of his jacket smells like sweat and tobacco. I did not see him for a long time after that.