For a long time that had been a point of pride.

We chose the house together.

I selected the kitchen layout; Lucas insisted on the garage workshop.

We planted a small maple in the yard on the day we moved in.

Now he was using the phrase “man of the house” as if I had been demoted to a visitor in my own life.

Derek was leaving when I came back.

He carried an open bag of chips and appeared puzzled that I had not prepared lunch.