In his mind Lefty Stephanides grew younger and younger while in actuality he continued to age, so that he tried to lift things he couldn't or to tackle stairs his legs couldn't climb. Falls ensued. Things sattered. At these moments, bending to help him up, Desdemona would see a momentary clarity in her husband's eyes, as if he were playing along too, pretending to relive his life in the past so as not to face the present. Then he would begin to cry and Desdemona would lie down next to him, holding him until the fit ended.