This made perfect sense to my wife.

Check out Rob Morris’ sequel, “A Place in the Shade.”

They make nice complementary bookends, don’t you think?

“The Road Less Traveled”

By Joseph Manno

Mantovanni was confused…

…but not, he would eventually realize on later reflection, particularly angry or hurt.

“I… don’t understand, Demora.

“Tell me again why we’re through.”

She drew a shuddering breath and tried to answer.

“One, you love me, Cicero… but not enough. You could walk away any time and be fine… and that means I need to walk away now—while I still can.

“Two… I grew up ‘Hikaru Sulu’s daughter.’ I refuse to become ‘Luciano Mantovanni’s wife.’

“I have my own legend to write… and I can’t do it around you—either of you.”

She never looked back.