"When is Elise's memorial?" Mom wants to know.
"It’s on Sunday," I text back. Elise's body was returned to her parents, who are holding a funeral in the town where she was born. The funeral's tomorrow, I suddenly remember. I make a mental note to call with condolences, and check in on the SF memorial.
My car arrives, and I slide in the front passenger seat. It's a shared ride, and I say a polite hello to the driver and the couple in the backseat. I text Mom to sign off, telling her that I'll call tomorrow.
I don't deny that managing my parents through all of this has been especially challenging. Staying focused on finding the man, and making an adequate show at work is where my head is right now. My parents will need to have faith in me in the me...

Please subscribe to keep reading.