My Sister Called to Say Mom Had Died, While Mom Was Standing Right Beside Me

there, shining in the morning light like evidence.

She gave me a small nod.

Permission.

Mama had been a middle school teacher for thirty years. I remembered the look she used to give students when they tried to cheat, when they tried to talk their way out of what they’d done. Calm. Sharp. Final.

Proceed, her nod said. Do what you have to do.

I took a slow continue reading …