I Left My House Empty Three Days Before Christmas

on later, there were more messages.

Gary first.

Mom call me. Diane’s losing it.

Then another.

I didn’t know she hadn’t actually asked you.

That one I read three times.

I called him.

He answered on the first ring. “Jesus, Ma.”

“Don’t start with me.”

He was quiet for a second. In the background I heard a child whining and a television too loud. “Where are you?continue reading …