The clock on the nightstand read half past ten when I walked into our bedroom.

Evelyn sat on the edge of the mattress, resting against a pile of plush white pillows.

I sat behind her and gently helped her untie the knot in her scarf.

Her shoulders felt frail under her cotton nightgown.

“I did not mean to cut the celebration short,” Evelyn said.

“You stayed exactly as long as you needed to,” I said.

I folded the silk and set it on the oak dresser.