On Christmas

made her choice.

The jury watched my mother shut the door.

They watched Lily knock.

They watched Emma cry.

They watched the minutes pass.

At first, it was uncomfortable.

Then unbearable.

By the time Lily stood and lifted Emma into her arms, someone behind me was crying.

Daniel gripped my hand so tightly it hurt.

I let him.

My mother stared straight ahead.

My continue reading …