On My Birthday I Stood In Front Of Everyone With A Black Eye

felt cavernous and quiet. I walked through the rooms, touching the furniture, reclaiming my space. I ran my hand along the frame of a photo of me and Thomas on our wedding day. We were so young, so full of certainty.

Upstairs, in my bedroom, I finally took the letter from my bag. The paper was thin, Thomas’s familiar, spiky handwriting sharp and clear.continue reading …