CNU-My daughter-in-law said Christmas would be easier if I stayed away, and my son did not even raise his eyes to defend me. So I stayed home, alone, exactly as requested. …

the trail Ellen loved to walk every October when the aspens turned. I laughed when Linda staged Vincent under the pines to photograph him in a flannel shirt like he was auditioning to sell whiskey. I told myself the sharpness I felt around her was only habit, the occupational residue of a man who had spent too many years assuming hidden motives.

Then continue reading …