I Came Home From Teaching All Day to Find a Lock on My Own Pantry

that Clare had underestimated. It had given me patience. It had given me the understanding that the person who reacts first rarely wins.

I smiled.

“Of course, dear,” I said. “Whatever you think is best.”

And I went to my room.

I didn’t cry that night. I was too angry to cry. I sat on the edge of the bed I had shared with Arthur for thirty-eight years and continue reading …