Afterlife

by Julia Alvarez

the best thing you can give the people who love you is to take care of yourself so you don’t become a burden on them.

Isn’t she entitled to a grace period after a loss? She has no energy for extras.

Nice to get to that place with someone where you don’t have to ask.

poverty years have to be more aging than affluent ones.

she counseled Izzy to take care of herself so as not to become a burden on anyone else, code for I’m overwhelmed by your needs.

She has developed an allergy to surprises of a personal nature. Any hint what it’s about?

But still, it feels wrong to be playing hot potato with a human being.

It’s so much easier when someone just says no, n-o, as Roger has no trouble doing, instead of dragging you through all their considerations.