Alone Woman

A woman saved newspaper clippings her whole life of families. Families she didn't know, but she saved them and dragged them out when someone asked her about her family. There were photos of babies in arms at baptisms, men holding trout, wedding couples, elementary school plays, tree plantings. Late at night she would pull these yellowed pieces of paper out of their precious folders. She had a story about each one. Of course, nobody asked. But she was ready with stories of lakeside picnics and family reunions. Late at night she would put away the folder and kiss the leg of her couch good night.