told my granddaughter I was dead.”

Karen’s lips tightened.

“It was easier than explaining why you left.”

“No,” I said.

“It was easier than explaining why you never came.”

Part 3

The entire diner fell quiet around us.

Lily stayed beside me, both hands gripping my sleeve.

My children looked older than I remembered.

Not wiser.

Only older.

Michael sat down first.continue reading …