In the apartment, I could be angry, quiet, hopeful, or uncertain without fearing that Mark would punish me with silence.

I started inviting coworkers for simple dinners.

We ate pasta, played board games, and talked about things unrelated to salaries or promotions.

One evening, a friend brought flowers and asked where I’d like them.

I realized I could choose any spot in the room without considering whether someone else would object.

The freedom was small and astonishing.

Tommy adapted in ways I had not expected.

He knew the baker by name and sometimes received a misshapen roll after school.