Below was a phone number.
I stared at it until the numbers became blurry.
I never saw this.
I know.
For the first time since I had entered Susan’s house, anger began to grow inside me.
Not pain.
Not confusion.
Ira.
Why would Linda do something like that?
Susan remained silent for a moment.
Because I loved you.
“That doesn’t justify it.
“No,” Susan said. It doesn’t justify it.
I got up and walked to the window.
Thirty-six years.
Thirty-six years of birthdays, vacations, illnesses, arguments, laughter, children, grandchildren.
Order Birthday Gifts
Had it all started with a lie?
I felt nauseous.
Then Susan said something she didn’t expect.
Robert, there is more.
I turned around.
He put his hand back in the box and handed me a closed envelope.
This one was more recent.
My name was written with Linda’s handwriting.
My hands started shaking.
When did you get this?
