My husband skipped our 15th anniversary dinner to watch soccer with his friends. When …

lipstick, something soft and pretty, not because I needed to impress strangers, but because I wanted to feel like myself again.

Before I left the house, Emma looked up from the couch and smiled.

“Mom, you look beautiful.”

Noah, who was ten and usually allergic to compliments, nodded seriously. “Dad better bring flowers.”

I laughed, but deep down, I hoped continue reading …