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

they’d treated my place in theirs as optional.

The program began evaluating families.

Nobody told me names.

I didn’t ask.

Exactly as we’d agreed.

Spring also created unexpected empty space in my own life.

Saturday mornings with no family assignment.

Friends I’d postponed.

A pottery class I joined despite having absolutely no intention of becoming talented.continue reading …