He Asked for a Divorce at Dinner

Ruth’s middle name.

Not Thomas’s mother’s.

Not Brenda’s pick from the list she once texted me without being asked.

Mine.

A month after the birth, a plain white envelope arrived at my parents’ house. No return address. Inside was a single folded sheet of notebook paper.

Aunt Emma,

I got a scholarship. Full year.

I know you didn’t have to help me all those continue reading …