“I Give the Orders Here,” He Shouted—Until I Told Him Who I Was

lily my mother treasured—not into an ashtray, but into the soil of her plant.

“Sit down, Aubrey,” Mark said, patting the sofa. “Let’s have a real talk. No military talk, just family.”

I sat on the edge of the sofa, keeping my posture rigid.

“You know what I’ve been thinking about?” Mark said, pointing his cigar at me. “You. I’ve been watching you all continue reading …