The Final Appraisal at the Lake House Before the Family Reckoning

“You look handsome.”

“I look eighty-five.”

“Handsome can survive eighty-five.”

Diane stood near the foyer, crying silently.

Mark cleared his throat and looked at the ceiling.

Claire stepped forward.

“Ruth?”

Ruth turned.

Claire’s hands trembled.

“I know I have no right to ask. But may I come?”

Ruth looked at her for a long moment.

Then at Diane.

Then Mark.

Diane continue reading …