The Final Appraisal at the Lake House Before the Family Reckoning

reflected the dining room lights.

For years, that view had made people speak softly.

Tonight, it showed us exactly who we were.

Diane opened her envelope.

“Diane,” I said, “you don’t have to read it now.”

She shook her head.

“I do.”

Her eyes moved across the page.

Then her hand covered her mouth.

I knew what I had written.

My dear Diane,

You were born on a Tuesday continue reading …