My Son Called at Midnight About the Blanket His Wife Threw Away

wrong if he ever tells this story. He’ll say I paused for effect. I didn’t. My hands aren’t fast anymore, and some things deserve steady fingers.

“Before I show you,” I said, “I want you to tell me exactly what happened after I left.”

He rubbed his palm over his mouth.

“Mom.”

“No. Tell me.”

He stared at the table. There was a tiny burn mark near the salt continue reading …