I saw motherhood as something that might hamper my life. Instead, motherhood completed it.”

“As you got older, you developed your independence, but I never felt like you stopped needing me. I’m so grateful for that. It’s a bittersweet thing to see your child become self-sufficient, and it’s easy to slip into irrelevance. But that never happened with us. Even when you were technically older than me and arguably wiser, I never stopped feeli

Is this what it means to get older, replaying happy memories because the best times are behind you?

Oona took slow, reverential steps inside the restaurant, through a wood-paneled foyer, into a mirrored hallway. Her darting eyes took in her multiple selves. What if each reflection was actually a separate version of her, trapped in time? All twenty-seven years old externally, all with cherry hair and a green dress, but while Oona on this side of t

Conversation was minimal during the drive to Manhattan; instead, they watched the city skyline. The cold made the buildings gleam like they were made of gemstones, and the resurrected Twin Towers filled Oona with sad wonder. Up to the West Side, to the edge of Central Park. The car pulled up to a red awning surrounded by trees wrapped in a multitud

Every leap will have its advantages and disadvantages, things you’ll gain and lose—relationships, youth, modern conveniences, etc. No year will be perfect. But I do think this year will be better if you have a little more love in your life. And boy, does Crosby love you (and vice versa). I hope you can make things work with him. Please try.

Oona’s eyes drooped, her chin dipped to her chest, and the letter slipped from her fingers as she fell asleep.

Tonight you’ll meet a curly-haired guy w/pale blue eyes. DO NOT HAVE SEX WITH HIM.

The music changed—a sound like robots playing with children’s instruments.