I thought we had a steady love, the kind that lasts forever. Not a fiery, movie-star romance, but something reliable. Trustworthy. Safe, you know.

Then last month, Thane came home looking weary and sad.

“I need to drive upstate this weekend,” he said, his voice heavy.

“Why?” I asked, setting down my coffee cup.

“Cal’s funeral. You remember me mentioning him from high school?”

I shook my head. “I don’t recall a Cal.”

Thane shifted in his seat. “We only kept in touch online. Old buddies. Cancer took him.”

“Oh, honey, I’m so sorry. Should I come with you for support?”