One year after my divorce, I ran into my ex-husband in the pediatric wing of the hospital where I worked

on reactions. Tears, shouting, the silent treatment — anything he could put in his pocket and bring out later as proof that I was not well.

Medicine teaches you the opposite. You keep your hands still while a family comes apart in front of you.

He glanced at the badge. “Still working too much?”

I nearly laughed, because that accusation has outlived the marriage.

“I like my job.”

“Oh, I know you do.”

The corridor had gone quiet in the particular way corridors do.

And then he stepped round so that