I Returned to the Same Diner Every Birthday

soft twist, put on my wine-red lipstick, and buttoned my coat all the way to the chin. The same coat as always. I don’t usually chase nostalgia, but this is different.

This is a ritual.

It takes me about 15 minutes to walk to Marigold’s Diner now. I used to do it in seven. It’s not far—just three turns, past the pharmacy and the little bookstore that continue reading …