I smiled.

We were getting better at listening to each other.

It was not the same as getting rid of fear.

It was something sturdier, something we could carry into the days that had not happened yet.

Lily was asleep.

I set my keys on the counter and poured a glass of water.

As I passed the back window, the outdoor floodlight snapped on—a stray cat had jumped over the fence.

For years, I had confused quietness with safety.