The Fortress at the Graveside

without drama.

The sadness drained away, leaving clarity.

I walked back into the living room.

The chatter faded as the weight of my steps registered. I set the ice bucket down on the table with a solid, deliberate thud that echoed in the sudden silence.

Vanessa turned, smiling brightly, already preparing her next barb.

“You know, Demi,” she said loudly,continue reading …