‘I was trying simultaneously to numb the grief I felt and to burrow into that grief, so I could stand in it.’ I wasn’t in LA because of Joni Mitchell, but that was what I had told my Lyft driver and it felt good to have a story. ‘Joni Mitchell, Joni Mitchell,’ he said. ‘I’m just thinking if I know someone who knows Joni.’ I didn’t say anything. ‘Hmm, wait I think I do. I’ve known Gillian Welch for like twenty years, I’ll give her a call. Maybe Gillian can hook you up, get you five minutes on the phone with her or something. Here, take my number.’