It's like when someone dies, the initial stages of grief seem to be the worst. But in some ways, it's sadder as time goes by and you consider how much they've missed in your life. In the world. (Emily Giffin, Something Borrowed)

“So who is it you're waiting for?”

“My husband.”

“Husband?”

I smiled. “I'm married.”

“It isn't Joseph?”

“No.” I looked at the table. “He died.”

“Oh, sorry. I didn't know.”

“It's okay,” I said dejectedly.

“Do you– you know, want a hug or something?”

I looked up from the table and met his suddenly earnest eyes. I turned up the corner of my mouth, “You haven't changed.”

“Did you think I would?”

“I thought you had.”

He sighed, “I'm still just Tommy.”