At 2:00 a.m., My Husband Thought I Was Asleep While He Emptied Our Safe to Run Off With His Mistress. Before Leaving, He Kissed Me and Whispered, “Poor Audrey. You Never Saw This Coming.” Hours Later He Sent a Photo From the Airport. I Replied With Four Words That Made Him Call Me Immediately.

That fact did not need erasing.

It needed placing in the correct drawer.

Love is not a merger clause.

It is not a substitute for oversight.

It is not a reason to ignore a signature that is almost yours and therefore not yours.

On a Thursday in spring I arrived early at the office and sat at the head of the table before anyone else walked in.

I placed my palms on the wood and felt the ordinary grain.