Your great-grandson Justin is coming over. You pull out the secret candy stash, hidden from your daughter who worries after your diabetes. Your hands creak and crack as you shuffle cards onto the spotless oak table Jack bought you. The… Continue Reading
They did not ask her, they told her. Be ready tomorrow, light clothing; layers, they said. Bel wasn’t sure they even told her where they were going. Bobby came in, looked at her and backed out. “Mum,” she heard him… Continue Reading
“Grandpa, tell us the story!” Myles demanded. “Yeah! The story!” Emma added. Charlie Grafton sat with his grandkids in his empty second-storey bedroom. He eyed the younglings through thick glasses. “What story?” From the base of the ladder out in… Continue Reading
Romo always had considered his afternoon nap a luxury, a perk of retirement. But one day that nap was more an escape, a means to knit a suddenly raveled sleeve of care. A doctor had told Romo that he would… Continue Reading
The hat I want to wear — the black one with the little veil — is in the basement. Four-year-old Alice follows me down. She wears a new black jumper and patent-leather shoes. I remind her that we have to… Continue Reading