I spent 10 years taking care of my paralyzed husband, and when he was finally able to walk again, he left me, saying I was « not as attractive anymore » — then our 11-year-old daughter did something that left him horrified. 006

Interest rates.

The arithmetic of survival.

I knew exactly how many extra shifts I needed to work to cover a month of Mark’s private rehabilitation sessions.

I knew which grocery store reduced meat on Tuesday evenings.

I knew how long I could delay replacing a pair of work shoes before the soles became genuinely unsafe.

I knew the balance on every credit card.

Or at least I thought I did.

« What rehabilitation money? » I asked.

Mark looked at the phone.

Then at the staircase.