Yellow Ceramic Mug and Red Silk Scarf in a Red Buick

Julian stood up and stretched, yawning with a sigh that felt entirely practiced.

“I need to grab a glass of water from the kitchen, Mother,” he said, stepping past the sofa. “Do you want anything?”

“No, thank you,” I said.

He left his heavy tan leather briefcase sitting on the middle cushion of the sofa, its brass latches gleaming under the floor lamp.continue reading …