My wife is paralyzed, so I haven’t been inti:mate with her for four months. Out of deep frustration, I left her alone for ten days to go on a date with the younger sister of my colleague. And then… the unexpected happened.

just slightly, and there was a courage in the gesture that made me feel small. “I know things are different,” she said, staring at the ceiling. “But if you’re grieving too, you can tell me. Just don’t leave me while you’re still standing next to me.”

I promised her I wouldn’t. I said it in the dark with my hand around hers, and there are few things continue reading …