whole trip.” I replied, “Just the part where I wasn’t supposed to know who you were excited to see.” Then he went out. I heard the garage door rise and fall, and stood in the kitchen until the engine faded.
The flowers remained pristine. I carried their vase toward the sink, resisting the urge to smash it. One by one, I laid out roses, peonies, and eucalyptus, then recovered the card. I couldn’t cry yet; memories kept intruding. His changed phone password, hidden messages, sudden concern over travel clothes, late-night
