My mother-in-law blocked the entrance to my new apartment and screamed that her son had bought it for her, ordering me to leave.

who never needs to shrink a woman to feel like a man,” I said.

He looked down.

“I’m trying.”

“Then keep trying when it stops getting you sympathy.”

We parted outside the café. He looked like he wanted to say more.

I walked away before he could.

I did not need more.

That evening, I hosted dinner in Unit 12B.

Not for Blake. Not for Evelyn. Not for anyone who continue reading …