changed my medical emergency contact, removed him from accounts where he no longer belonged, and filed to reclaim my maiden name. Alone, those adjustments were mundane. Together, they felt like assembling myself again.
Before the divorce was finalized, Margaret phoned once more. I nearly ignored it but answered.
“Hello?”
“Claire.”
Her voice lacked its usual command.
“I wanted to speak before everything is completed.”
“All right.”
She paused before saying something I hadn’t expected.
“I owe you an apology.”
I sat down.
“For what?”
“For assuming.”
“I thought you were
