So were the photographs from our honeymoon and the cedar box containing my father’s watch.

Julian brought out two overnight bags and told me to use the guest room until I could “behave reasonably.” When I objected, Eleanor appeared from the stairwell with her phone already raised.

I watched the small red recording light blink on.

There is a particular kind of helplessness in realizing that someone is waiting for you to react.

If you cry, you are unstable.

If you argue, you are aggressive.