The only constant in our marriage is the edge of the cliff we're hanging on to, killing time until we tire ourselves out and give in to our inevitable collapse.

My mind floats like ash. I blame myself most cruelly.

The greatest pain for men isn't physical but emotional. The greatest fear for men isn't death but regret. When love leaves them alone in the past is when a man falls to his knees.

Says Momma: “I got handed lemons, too, y’know but I learned how to make lemonade with them… No one ever told me I had to add sugar but that’s life for you. It ain’t sweet.

I throw my arms around her without even thinking first, the way I used to with Daddy when he came home from a trip. "Thank you," I say into her waist. Her clothes smell so good. I feel her hand resting on my head, and for that second I feel like nothing could ever go wrong. Not when there's Miss Mary to hug.

Bushwhacked, I examine my hands. Same hands. Rings still there but no longer valid.