Hope you’re managing. Melissa felt hurt that you didn’t call her on her
birthday.
I stared at the message until something inside me became final.
PART 2 — SIX MONTHS
I stopped answering my family.
There were not many calls to ignore.
They sent holiday photographs.
Engagement announcements.
Messages about cousins buying houses and Melissa choosing bridesmaid
colors.
Meanwhile, I learned the bureaucracy of death.
Death certificates.
Insurance forms.
Vehicle records.
Medical bills.
Probate documents.
Ethan’s coffee mug remained beside the sink.
Lily’s school jacket stayed on its hook.
Noah’s sneakers remained crooked beneath the bench.
I could not move them.
Margaret never told me to.
