I Left My House Empty Three Days Before Christmas

opened the small gift bag I’d bought myself the day before from a bookstore near the pier. Two novels. A ridiculous pair of fleece socks with tiny lobsters on them. A dark chocolate bar with sea salt. Nothing grand. Just mine.

At ten thirty my phone rang.

Diane.

I let it ring twice, then answered.

Her voice sounded scraped raw. “Merry Christmas.”

“Merry continue reading …