My Son Brought

fit the story she wanted to tell about you.”

I closed my eyes.

There it was.

The truth, plain and merciless.

“Why didn’t anyone say anything?”

Aunt Beth sighed.

“Cowardice, mostly.”

I appreciated the honesty.

Then she added, “But you’re saying it now.”

“It feels late.”

“It is,” she said. “Say it anyway.”

So I did.

Spring came slowly that year.

Snow melted into continue reading …