The Knock Came Before I Could Dial 911

”

“Later,” she said.

“Why later?”

She lowered her eyes to the zipper.

“In case there isn’t any tomorrow.”

I did not cry. Not in front of her.

At home, I showed her the purple sheets, the butterfly curtains, the moon-shaped night-light I had found on clearance, and the closet where I had left two empty hangers like a promise. Clara stayed in the doorway, continue reading …