Flickers

The flames are dancing in the wood stove, sending little flickers of light and shadow around the room. I can hear the clock ticking over my left shoulder, marking the seconds as they go by. It’s dark outside, and overcast. There’s no moonlight. The coyotes who have been chattering every night for weeks have gone silent for now. The house is quiet and still.

Things in the world, especially this country of the United States, remain tumultuous. Events in recent weeks have left people feeling ...