“—and I’ve never done anything like that before. But I believe God put us in each other’s path, and life is too short. The past isn’t a compass for the future. You have to give yourself permission to chart a new course.”

“Been reading Snapple caps?” Caro asked.

“I won’t apologize for loving someone with all my heart.” Her little rhino eyes teared up. “I take it you gave him an ultimatum. What are you holding over his head, Barb? Is this why he hasn’t been in touch? He said you were controlling and had anger issues, but this is beyond the pale.”

“Oh, hush,” I said. “I’m not holding anything over his head. He had a stroke.” She sucked in a breath, her sharp nostrils flaring. “I found out about you when I was at the hospital. While my husband was having brain surgery to save his life, I got to read his idiotic, juvenile sexting with you.”

“He had an operation? How is he now?”

For some reason, it was hard to say the words. “You tell her, Caro.”

“Well, funny you should ask, kitten,” Caro said. “He has the IQ of a celery stalk.”

Karen jerked back. “What do you mean?”

“He’s nonverbal and needs a full-time caregiver,” I said. “Good thing you love him so very, very much. This must be why God put him in your path.”

“Barb,” Caro said, putting her hand on my shoulder, “I’m so glad you won’t be shackled to him anymore, now that Sex Kitten will take over. You know, since their love is more special and so different from any love the world has ever seen.”

“The house is in my name,” I said. “And I have power of attorney over our finances. But I’m sure you’re not materialistic. Good thing, too, since you won’t be getting a fucking cent.”

Her eyelids fluttered.

“I love that you said fucking,” Caro said.

“It felt good.”

Karen started to stand, then sat back down. “So he won’t get better?”

“You’d have to ask God about that, Karen, since you and He are on such close terms. John can’t talk, and he can’t write, but he did learn to toilet himself, so he only wets the bed once in a while.”

“What would Jesus do?” Caro asked. “I bet Jesus would comfort the sick, don’t you, kitten? Small price to pay for ruining a marriage.”

“I . . . I have to go,” Karen said.

“Yes. You do.” My voice was hard.

She got up and wobbled over to the door, and then she was gone.

“Well, we’ve seen the last of her,” Caro said. “Good riddance to bad rubbish.”

“Yep. That’s true.”