Had I mistaken an intense moment near death for a lifetime’s promise?

I called an old professor who had once taught medical ethics.

She listened without rescuing me from the discomfort.

“Grief doesn’t exempt us from scrutiny,” she said.

“Nor does scrutiny mean every feeling was false.

Take responsibility for the boundaries and let the facts speak.”

A few days later Miriam called.

Daniel had consulted a lawyer and requested a formal accounting.