My Son Brought

a permit. Old enough to work.

But Cooper was seventeen, and he was inside.

Madison was nineteen, home from college, and she was inside.

My mother had not meant children.

She had meant chosen children.

I felt something move through me, hot and ancient.

“You did gifts already?” I asked.

My mother lowered her voice. “Don’t make this unpleasant.”

Caleb looked continue reading …