Without me.
I slowly folded the brochure and placed it neatly beside my plate.
Then I smiled.
“Of course.”
Relief washed across Brian’s face instantly.
“I knew you’d understand.”
Melissa leaned toward him and whispered just loud enough for me to hear, “I told you she wouldn’t fight it.”
I stood, pushed back my chair, and walked upstairs without another word.
Behind me, conversation slowly returned.
Someone poured more wine.
Someone laughed awkwardly.
Then I heard Melissa whisper, “That went easier than I expected.”
That’s when I came back downstairs.
Dragging the suitcase.
Past the glowing Christmas tree.
Past the stockings hanging above the fireplace.
Past the dining table where Henry and I had celebrated forty-two Christmases together.
I stopped at the front door, unlocked it, and cold December air swept into the hallway.
Snow drifted across the porch.
I lifted the suitcase, set it outside in the snow, and closed the door.
I turned around.
Every face in the room was watching me.
Brian frowned.
“Mom… whose suitcase is that?”
I looked directly at him.
“Yours.”
His smile disappeared.
Melissa laughed nervously.
“Very funny.”
I didn’t answer.
