My phone began ringing before I finished reading.
Mom.
Dad.
Melissa.
Uncle Greg.
Cousin Amanda.
People who had not asked whether I could sleep suddenly wanted to know
whether I was “okay.”
Mom left a voicemail.
“Claire, sweetheart, we saw the news. Please call. Family shouldn’t be
separated like this.”
My father was more direct.
“We need to discuss what you’re planning.”
Melissa sent:
I know things have been weird, but I miss you. Please come to my
engagement dinner. We can start over.
Weird.
My husband and children had died.
They had skipped the funeral for a birthday dinner.
Apparently that was weird.
I turned off my phone.
