Education
Then I remembered something my husband used to say.
I’d stand up to rude mechanics for Diane.
I’d defend coworkers.
I’d complain when somebody overcharged a stranger.
But when people mistreated me, I almost always tried to “keep the peace.”
That wasn’t peace.
It was permission.
Gardening
That night, I turned off my porch light and waited.
All Monica had to do was stay away from my property.
Just after midnight, her Tesla rolled quietly into the driveway.
Monica climbed out wearing yoga pants and slippers, charging cable in hand.
She walked toward my garage as naturally as if she were heading toward her own front door.
Then she saw the gnome.
“What the…”
Language Resources
She stared down at it.
“My gnome.”
I nearly laughed from behind the porch plants.
Then Monica nudged it with her foot.
“Ugly little thing. Move.”
