White Spots on My Cheeks Led to an Unwanted Contract

silver candelabra sitting unlit in the center.

It felt like an invitation to forget the metal tool she had pressed into my skin only three days ago, or the red marks that were only now starting to fade.

I sat down on the high-backed chair, the fabric cool against my slacks.

“I was too aggressive, Martha,” Beatrice said, pulling out my chair for me with continue reading …