I married once, briefly, and told my husband the truth before the wedding.

We separated for reasons that had nothing to do with Tobias, though I suspected my inability to let go of the search had made our difficult years harder.

We had no children together.

People often asked whether I had ever considered “moving on.” I never knew how to answer without sounding angry.

I went to work.

I paid bills.

I traveled with friends.

I learned to make bread and grow tomatoes.