When the Lights Go Out, the Vows Get Tested in the Dark

” she snapped. “Don’t make this about vows like you’re some kind of saint. This is about Mom being safe.”

“She’s safe,” I said.

Rachel’s voice broke around the edges. “She’s safe until you drop her. Until you fall. Until you have a heart attack. Dad, you’re seventy-one.”

I wanted to say I know, but it came out as, “I’m not dead yet.”

Silence. Then softer,continue reading …