A Stranger Left an Envelope Beside My Bed on My Sixty-Second Birthday—Then I Found His Photograph with My Son

That was the strange protection my mind offered me before it admitted the obvious.

My face was turned toward the window.

The blanket covered me.

A corner of the botanical print appeared above the pillow.

Daniel had stood beside the bed while I slept and taken it.

I put the picture down and opened the envelope.

Inside was one sheet of hotel stationery, blank on both sides.

I held it toward the window, looking for an impression or a faded line.