The Lessons
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The Illusions – Chapter 15
The paint peeling at the edge of the hallway wall needles at me, a reminder of the endless list of things left undone. My parents just left, and the kids are gone for the afternoon, leaving the air bright and… Continue reading
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The Illusions – Chapter 14 – Dreams
My phone buzzes against the kitchen counter, cutting into the hush of morning. I’m elbow-deep in soapy water, coaxing a stubborn coffee ring from the bottom of my favorite mug. The vibration is insistent—the kind of thing that signals you’re… Continue reading
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The Illusions – Chapter 13
On a Saturday morning, Jeff sends me a selfie: his hair wild, sticking up in tufts, his undershirt creased, glasses askew, and that lopsided grin splitting his face. He wishes me a good morning, and I can’t help but laugh,… Continue reading
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The Illusions – Chapter 12
Jeff, who is out of state for work, texts me a photo of a rental Jeep Wrangler, the kind with the roof panels popped out so the sky and wind rush in. A fun car, he calls it, grinning behind… Continue reading
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The Illusions – Chapter 11
The days blur together. Somewhere between the text threads and the nightly FaceTime calls, Jeff has become a rhythm I don’t question, especially the prayers. I wait for them now, expect them, the way I expect sunrise. Each one layers… Continue reading
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The Illusions – Chapter 10
…constant liars…constantly stir up trouble… broken in an instant beyond all hope of healing.…a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong…a person who sows discord in a family…obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction…It… Continue reading
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The Illusions – Chapter 9
The soft rock music playing is a relief, filling the silence in the car on the way back. It feels like we’re both running on low battery, neither wanting to admit it. At home, I collapse onto my back patio,… Continue reading
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The Illusions – Chapter 8
My phone buzzes with a selfie from Jeff, lounging at the airport gate. He’s wearing that same athletic-style top, the one he had on Friday evening, and I can’t resist teasing him about it. How he always gravitates toward the… Continue reading
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The Illusions – Chapter 7
Words from Jeff lit up my screen before sunrise, a message sent at 11:20 p.m. while I was already asleep: “Fun. Authentic. Honest. Supportive. Safe. Comforting. What a fun night. Thank you. Sleep tight. I just prayed for you and… Continue reading
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The Illusions – Chapter 6
Jeff texts a photo of our new yoga mats, a bright splash of color against his desk. His message radiates eagerness for this evening, and a corresponding ripple of excitement moves through me. I imagine us practicing in the park,… Continue reading
