Summary

In “January Man,” Jason eavesdropped as Gwendolin Bendicks and Mrs. Rhydd gossiped about his parents’ divorce. Gwendolin suspected Michael had gotten his lover a contract with Greenland Supermarkets back when they began having their affair. She suspected the affair was the reason Michael had gotten fired. Jason had been browsing in the store when he heard the two women talking. He and his mother were moving out of Black Swan Green that day. He’d been sent to say goodbye. His father had come to pick up the rest of his things the day before. He’d ridden in the car with Cynthia, his girlfriend. As Jason said hello to her, he considered she might be his stepmother one day.

Jason walked to the lake. He dozed off on the bench. When he woke Squelch was sitting next to him. He said he...