A Silver Photo Frame on Our Porch Ended My Fifteen Year Blind Spot
“Anna,” the dean said, “this is an official offer for the molecular biology research fellowship. It includes full tuition remission for your doctoral completion and a stipend of thirty-eight thousand dollars.”
Anna looked at the document, her hand rising to her mouth. “A fellowship?”
“Your husband’s presentation of your credentials was highly persuasive, Anna,” Dr. Sterling said. “He made it clear that your absence from the university was a loss to the scientific community.”
Anna turned her head toward me, her eyes searching my face for some sign of the man who had dismissed her career just weeks ago. I remained silent, standing behind my chair, holding the coffee pot.
“I have been away for ten years,” Anna said, her voice trembling slightly. “I do not know if I can still run a lab.”
“You just solved Claire’s lipid layer problem on a napkin,” Dr. Sterling said. “I think you will manage.”
The dining room felt quiet, the grandfather clock in the hallway ticking with a steady, rhythmic beat.
“The decision is yours, Anna,” I said.
