A Silver Photo Frame on Our Porch Ended My Fifteen Year Blind Spot
Inside was the box of seventy-two blue chalk pieces, the one that had cost four dollars at the pharmacy down the street.
I lifted the box out and placed it in his hand.
“It is right here, Marcus,” I said. “Pack it in the front pocket so it does not get crushed by your binder.”
Marcus smiled, his slight lisp appearing as he spoke.
“Thanks, Dad,” he said, sliding the box into his bag. “We need it for the solar system diagram today.”
Anna watched him, her shoulder resting against the doorframe.
She looked as though she wanted to reach out and straighten his collar, but she kept her hands folded inside her sleeves.
“Go sit at the table, Marcus,” she said softly. “Your father has your breakfast ready.”
I poured the orange juice into his plastic cup, keeping my eyes on the line of the liquid to avoid spilling a single drop.
By eight in the evening, the house had settled into a different kind of quiet.
The children were in their rooms, and the television in the living room remained dark.
