On Christmas

were tiny stars people caught and kept.

I had left them at my parents’ house only hours earlier.

I had pulled into the driveway, kissed their foreheads, and said, “Go inside, Grandma and Grandpa are waiting.”

I had watched Lily take Emma’s mittened hand.

Then my phone had rung from St. Mary’s.

Daniel had taken a turn.

I hadn’t even gotten out of the car.continue reading …