Eighteen Years After Ray Abandoned Him on a Dirt Road, Thomas Found His Mother’s Letter

“You just told us it was clear as day,” I said.

“Don’t start with me, Thomas.” Ray put the glass down.

A little water sloshed onto the tablecloth.

“You weren’t there.

You were off doing whatever it is you do.”

I didn’t answer.

Diane folded her napkin once, then once more, and set it beside her plate.

“I’d like to go home,” she said.