The Final Appraisal at the Lake House Before the Family Reckoning

old writing desk, looking at a photograph from our fortieth anniversary.

Elaine in a blue dress.

Me with too much hair.

Both of us laughing at something the photographer had said.

Claire came up behind me.

“I miss her too.”

“I know you do.”

“She would hate this.”

I turned the photograph toward me.

“What exactly would she hate?”

“All of us walking on eggshells.continue reading …