I Left My House Empty Three Days Before Christmas

like the circus came to town. I nearly walked over with popcorn. Scott kicked your doormat. Don’t worry, I picked it up later.”

“He kicked my doormat?”

“He did. Childish man.”

I sat down in a wicker chair by the lobby window. “Did the neighbors say anything?”

“Everybody said something. That’s Christmas. I told Cheryl from across the street I hoped you’d continue reading …