I didn’t respond. Simply because I didn’t feel like it. He hadn’t come home and didn’t deserve a “good morning.”

I went to my desk, sat in the chair, and spun it side to side, then did a full 360 to test its potential.

“Mrs. Clifford, this is a chair, not an amusement park ride,” Gabe’s voice whispered beside me, his hand resting on the dark hardwood.

Then I saw his wedding ring on his left hand. I smiled, unable to stop myself from gently stroking his hand. I looked at ...