Renewal Near the Aegean Sea
Mario was a foster youngster; I used to be a sheltered bookworm. We married younger in Union, Maine. When the seven-year itch hit, we determined to renovate a cliff-side villa in Santorini for a loopy Malibu protection lawyer. It was 1994, earlier than the island’s backbone sprouted resorts. Work days included transporting baggage of cement on donkeys’ backs. Days off we hiked, swam, tanned on topless seashores. We toasted our relationship each pink Homeric sundown. At evening, we ate fava beans and fish washed down with retsina. And olives. Oh, these olives. — Sherry Barker Abaldo
A House Divided
Years in the past, I used to be in Wisconsin visiting Mom. One evening, barely intoxicated, my brother laid into her and me with hatred of the president she and I supported. Stunned, we left. Politics have divided our homes since. Mom known as one latest evening: My brother has coronavirus. Shaken, I debated reaching out. Would he need to hear from me? Next morning, I heard a few congressman whose son had died by suicide and the assist he acquired from Democrats and Republicans through the revolt in Washington. I texted my brother and his spouse with inquiries, properly needs. Only his spouse replied. — Wendy Lukomski
Were We ‘Meant to Be’?
I noticed Anthony at times in Los Angeles bars. We had been at all times pleasant. Then, one Friday we ran into one another at a road honest. We bumped into one another once more on Saturday. Sunday, too. Still, solely flirty chat and ambivalence. On Monday, whereas I used to be driving, Anthony walked proper previous me. I lastly gave him my quantity and cooked him dinner every week later. Still married 17 years later, we don’t consider in “meant to be.” We consider in a combination of coronary heart and head: luck and dedication. — Dean Decent
A True Milestone
The day earlier than my 32nd birthday, Greg gripped my hand within the emergency room. The sonogram revealed a miscarriage. He comforted and anchored me as I waded in a sea of grief for weeks, then months. Seven years and two youngsters later, Greg remembered to choose up my 39th birthday cake, together with hand sanitizer, as New York City lurched towards a grim shutdown. Now, virtually a 12 months later, virtually a 12 months older, virtually a 12 months at house, I stroll bravely towards my 40th birthday, figuring out the true milestone is our love and well being. — Christine Byun
