I Gave Away the Birthday Chocolates, Then the Screaming Started

at the box, it dragged up the same reel.

My mother’s funeral.

Dad’s hand already on Evelyn’s lower back.

Melissa’s voice in the hallway telling me I should try not to make everything about myself.

Brandon at twelve now, but in my memory still little, hugging my leg like I was the last solid thing in the room.

So I didn’t put the chocolates in my pantry.continue reading …