“That’s wonderful,” she said. “I’m so happy for you.”

She put the phone down onto the receiver.

The yearbook was open onto their picture, together. High school sweethearts. Everyone thought they’d be together forever. But college happened. They went their separate ways. She had never met anyone, but he did.

How happy they looked at the prom. Sitting together in the sun during their senior trip. The world, their oyster.

Now she was alone. Truly happy for him. The road ahead for her looked blasted and bleak, Death Valley, tombstones.