At My Mother’s Funeral, A Recognition That Rewrote My Love Story

for whatever I might say.

“I’ll understand if you want me to get another room tonight,” he offered quietly. “If you need space.”

“That’s not necessary,” I replied, setting my purse down carefully. “But I do need complete answers. No more careful wording or strategic omissions.”

“Complete honesty, Michael,” I added with emphasis. “No more trying to protect continue reading …