"The beginning's as good a place as any," Bart offered. "After I--after I disappeared." He wouldn't say 'died.' He just wouldn't.

Suddenly slightly uncomfortable, Bart zipped over to where he had seen the cookies before, and came right back, plate in hand and a few already in his mouth. "Cookie?" he asked, spewing crumbs down his shirt as he held the plate out to Cissie where she sat. Settling down on the floor by her feet, Bart readied himself for a long story, thankfully helped along by snacks.