(Find the chapters and a description of the project here.) There are several ways I could have retold this story. I could have stayed true to the original narrative, and written about two people continuing their lives after facing condemnation and shame. I could have written both Jesse and Rebecca as unapologetic and shameless. I… Continue reading

(Find previous chapters and a description of the project here.) It is Friday. She sits at her computer, staring at the screen. There is an email from Laura Miller in her inbox. Laura teaches children’s Sunday school. Brett and Finn haven’t attended regularly in two years, but Laura has kept up with them regardless. The… Continue reading

(Find previous chapters and a description of the project here.) It is 5:59. She is standing outside the door of the conference room at the church, leaning against the wall. Inside, she can hear low talking. She counts four distinct voices among the chatter. She wonders how many of them there are. Her internal monologue… Continue reading

(Find previous chapters and a description of the project here.) It is Thursday. She stares at the sonogram the ultrasound tech printed for her. The baby looks like a bean. She smiles at it, then takes a magnet from the fridge, uses it to stick the sonogram to the surface. It is 4:12. The boys… Continue reading

(Find previous chapters and a description of the project here.) It is Monday. She is at her grief support group. She stopped coming to these group sessions three months ago. Today though, she needs to be here. It is preparatory.                She sits with her back straight, both feet flat on the floor, hands on… Continue reading

(Find previous chapters and a description of the project here.) It is Sunday morning. She is still in bed. It is past dawn, but she has been awake since Jesse rose, dressed in the dark, and went for a run. He’s in the shower now. She listens to the sound of the water running. She… Continue reading

(Find previous chapters and a description of the project here.) It is Saturday. She stands in the living room, staring out the window at the trellis sitting in the yard. Jesse and Mark—another minister, one of Jesse’s friends from seminary—are standing next to it talking. They both have their arms crossed. They are both wearing… Continue reading

(Find previous chapters and a description of the project here.) It is Tuesday again. She is waiting by the door. He is late. She pulls her phone from her purse. It is 12:07. I’m ready. She sends the message. Just as she puts the phone back into her purse, he pulls into the driveway. She… Continue reading

(Find previous chapters and a description of the project here.) It is 5:12. She has been home for exactly 13 minutes. She stares at the message she has typed. It is waiting, ready to send. I’m home. Come over whenever. She has stared at the words for what seems like an hour. Logically, she knows… Continue reading