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. …

has just taken a hit and is trying to pretend it hasn’t. Chairs moved back. Dishes were carried to the sink too quickly. Susan hugged me hard enough to hurt. Raymond asked if he had done something wrong. I told him no. Vincent lingered in the foyer, shame and irritation moving across his face like weather systems that could not settle. Linda zipped continue reading …