I Left My House Empty Three Days Before Christmas

And… when Dad died, you just kept doing it, and I guess I told myself you liked it.”

I looked out at the parking lot where a family was trying to strap three bicycles onto the back of an SUV while arguing in church clothes.

“I liked being needed,” I said. “That isn’t the same as liking being used.”

She started crying again, quieter this time. Tired crying.continue reading …