“Drink this. I’ll make a phone a couple of phone calls and take care of Robert. If you need me, just call my name, alright, Alice?” At her nod, he offered the traditional condolence, then stood and left her alone.
Because it was there, Alice extracted a tissue from the box on the table in front of her. She mopped her cheeks and let out a shuddering sigh. Sadness was mixed with relief. Her mind acknowledged the loss and cataloged that she had buried her husband and will now have to find a way to let go of a son. She thought of Joe’s funeral on Tuesday and realized that many of the townsfolk of Durango would be at the church for the opportunity to say goodbye to someone who had lived and worked for years among them. Due to Robert’s prolonged condition, nearly all of his friends had dropped
