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

across decades hanging side by side. Paper snowflakes Theo had made at school taped crookedly to the windows.

Mama lowered herself into her favorite chair with a quiet sigh.

“It’s good to be back,” she said.

I poured wine. She asked for just a splash. We clinked glasses.

“To being alive,” she said softly.

“To telling the truth,” I replied.

A week later, continue reading …