The first incident was in the kitchen on the tiles. Clarissa’s face said it all. She was sweet, but sick kids were not in her job description

“I always find it fascinating how people can find pleasure in things I loathe,” her mother-in-law finished

“Okay, we’ll make cookies today.” That would be enough doing of something to feel like it was a day in her space in Chicago

“That’s sooo cute,” Shira gushed. Eva tried not to flare her nostril. Was everything cute and sooo?

Shira tried to understand the woman who raised her husband. She just couldn’t

This was a lot more work for Clarissa, Eva acknowledged. It was a lot for her too, but at least she had Clarissa. Who did Clarissa have?

"There’s value in that, in people getting to hear the cello, or violin, or piano in a way they’re not used to"

“She’s half my age, and I can listen to Yo-Yo Ma’s ‘A Beginner’s Mind’ podcast again if I want to get to know a cellist”