My Family Tried to Move Into My Mountain House Without Asking

something between outrage and grief.

Lydia said my name once, sharply, as if the restraining order were something I had done to her.

I looked at the judge and said thank you.

Outside the courthouse, the air was cold and clear. Gregory handed me the copy of the order and asked how I felt.

I thought about the question seriously.

“Free,” I said. “I didn’t continue reading …