cnu-At my fortieth birthday party, my sister swung a baseball bat into…

rested. He walked the halls when he got too angry to stay still. I watched Emma’s chest rise and fall and counted each breath like prayer.

She woke properly the next afternoon.

Her eyes opened slowly, unfocused at first, then sharpening when she saw me.

“Mom?”

“I’m here.”

Her lips moved. I leaned close.

“Is Aunt Vanessa mad?”

I shut my eyes.

Of all the questions.continue reading …