I didn’t complain.

PART 16

The first anniversary of Rachel’s return approached with the first cold rain of another October.

We did not plan a party.

Rachel said she wanted ordinary things: pancakes with Lucas, a walk if the weather allowed, and an evening without discussing court dates or medical bills.

I put a reminder in my phone to buy maple syrup.

Then I crossed out the reminder because I wanted to remember a small thing without needing help.

On the anniversary morning, Lucas appeared in our doorway at six carrying a homemade card.