CNU-My daughter-in-law said Christmas would be easier if I stayed away, and my son did not even raise his eyes to defend me. So I stayed home, alone, exactly as requested. …

in the hall, the Sub-Zero fridge in the kitchen, the antique secretary desk Ellen had restored herself. Most people let a house wash over them. Linda inventoried mine.

While Vincent unloaded an overnight bag, she stood beside the living room windows and asked, in a tone so light it might have passed for admiration, “How long have you had this place?continue reading …