Joann Kobin’s short story, Dr. Leopold’s Problem with Contentment, appeared in NER 25.1-2 (2004):
“Edgar, forget the symbolism of the house. Don’t overanalyze. Besides, Jason and I get along well.”
Edgar concedes. Lisa may be onto something: that Jason’s no longer the adored little cousin he once was here in his uncle David’s house. His cousins have moved on to their own adult lives. My God, they certainly have! He lets go of his timeworn theories and asks Lisa whether she noticed Anita’s strand of black pearls. “David told me how much they cost. Take a guess.”
Lisa declines to guess, and Edgar leaves her in peace. She’s happy to have some time out in this house of fecundity.