This is a beautiful story, and so delicately written. After I read it once, I read it again. Then I just sat and let the story sink in, along with the sadness, yearning, exhaustion, and love expressed by the narrator and drawn out from me, the reader, without my realizing what was happening. This story really "hit me in the feels" as our Lilli would say. I think I needed to read it today, and for that I thank you.

I can't make any suggestions to this story. It's complete in itself, perfect as short as it is. I didn't see any typos or mechanical mishaps. The formatting looks great. I have to say I have a tremendous amount of respect for your writing and I'm almost ashamed that I haven't reviewed your work before now–or if I have, it was once early on in my WdC career. I think I've been afraid of the themes and subject matter. I deal with depression daily and I'm an emotional sponge, so I tend to avoid stories, books, movies that are likely to bring on emotions that will be hard to deal with or to let go of for longer than makes sense.

Both of my parents are showing signs of Alzheimer's. I'm not close to either of them, our family shattered long ago, but my sister lives near enough to them to feel responsible for them "in their old age." I see her hurting because she's chosen to be in their lives and I wish I could help her in some way. I think it's wonderful you were able to house your father in a home you describe that kept you close to your dad, but also let you live your life separately when and as much as you wanted to. A community like that is a brilliant solution for people who are in a place in their lives that they can make it work. Your story has given me more to work with than I knew existed before. It may indeed be a false hope, but I can investigate what's available for them–when I'm feeling a little bit stronger. So much going on. My spouse's mom passed away almost two weeks ago, and it hasn't become real yet. We'll get there.

Thank you for sharing this story with WDC and with me. And a BIG Congratulations on your 16^th WDC Anniversary. Looks like you wrote this story while you were still a newbie! I'm glad you updated it so it rose to the surface of your port again.