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 ancient manner of older sisters.

“We know that one.”

“Exactly,” Raymond said.

Susan tried not to smile.

Then she looked at me and said, with an ease that nearly undid me, “Tell us the boring stories.”

I do not think she meant to echo her mother so precisely. Or maybe she did and understood exactly what she was repairing.

Either way, I told them.

I told continue reading …