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

at Mama. Mama lifted one arm, palm outward, like she was greeting the day. Her face was calm, focused, alive. The steam from her tea curled up in delicate threads.

A laugh rose in me, sharp and disbelieving, and I swallowed it down. Not because the situation was funny, but because the absurdity was so complete it bordered on surreal.

My sister was crying continue reading …