Brother put my name at the top of the morning assembly roll. The seat had stood empty three years, and now that I sit in it, the space at my back feels unusually wide.

• DariushGood to see the seat filled. Tell me if the cushion's too thin.
  BahramKeep the cushion. Just let me know ahead of time who'll be sitting behind me.
• SoroushThree steps behind is my seat. I was standing in it again this morning.
• GolnarAren't you curious whose seat that first line used to be?
  BahramOne curious person in this family is enough. I'll just sit.