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. …

of spectacle.

“I just think clarity is healthiest for everyone,” she said.

“I’m sure you do.”

Vincent finally looked up.

“Dad—”

But there was nothing he could say at that point that would not sound rented. So I spared him the effort.

“You should get the children home before the roads ice,” I said.

The rest unfolded with the quiet disorder of a house that continue reading …