My Son Brought

likes the notebook.”

That was Caleb.

Even after everything, some part of him still hoped the gift landed gently.

I wanted to tell him my father did not deserve the notebook.

Instead, I said, “It was a good gift.”

He gave me a small smile, climbed out, and walked into the store.

I spent the next few hours cleaning the house with unnecessary aggression.

I stripped continue reading …