The Night My Daughter-in-Law Sent Me to Sleep in the Garage

the morning rain, and the air carried the scent of soap and magnolia blossoms. I glanced at the magnolia tree Gordon had planted years ago.

It was taller than the roof now, its white flowers glowing under the midday sun.

I remembered his hand on my back, his deep laugh when he’d said, “This tree will shade you one day, Cass. When you’re old, all you’ll continue reading …