I called Mom while I was shopping and asked, “Should I bring chocolate cake or apple pie for Christmas?” – Welcome

at me.

“That doesn’t excuse what I said.”

“No.”

“I know.”

A moment passed.

Then she smiled awkwardly.

“I also genuinely thought Dad bought this house.”

“That part was obvious.”

She laughed.

It was the first time I had heard her laugh without bitterness behind it.

On September fifteenth, Caroline moved into a modest one-bedroom apartment in Downers Grove.

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