One Year Later

KiKi

“Riley’s asleep,” I announce emerging from the hallway, finding John loading the dishwasher, while visiting to his mother perched across the room in her recliner.

“Dawn, are you ready for your next pain pill?” I stand in the open area between the living room and the kitchen. “Looks like you need more water, too,” I note.

Exhausted and in pain, Dawn nods. Her smile shines with only half its normal brightness. It has been two months ...