2047

"Looks like we have a full house", says Erik, rinsing the coffee pot in the sink before adding more water which he is now pouring into the machine.   "I still have to put in the coffee", say I with a snicker. "Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to rush in right ahead of you. "Oh Erik, you are going to make a perfect Canadian." "Why?" "The way you apologized just now." "Swedes apologize." "Neurotically.  Like us?" "No way, we just say excuse me and move on..  Speaking of which. How long is he going to be here?" "Ethan?  That could be anyone's guess." "I'm not sure if I'm prepared for his kind of intensity." "Tron is gone.  There shouldn't be much of a problem now." "Who?" And now I am certain that none of this is registering with my friend, and brother-in-law.  In fact, I now realise that I am going to have to be constantly going out of my way assuring and reassuring Erik that he is also loved, wanted and accepted...and needed here, since he has the likes of Kenny, Carl, and now Ethan, to compete with.  Thank God for Francois, our sane, detached and benign centre...