Envy, after all, comes from wanting something that isn't yours. But grief comes from losing something you've already had.

Life, it turns out, goes on. There is no cosmic rule that grants you immunity from the details just because you have come face-to-face with a catastrophe. The garbage can still overflow, the bills arrive in the mail, telemarketers, interrupt dinner.

What if the one I choose to discount is one who has been truly hurt?

Having to face him at a competency hearing is like getting to hell and finding out that the only food available is raw liver-insult added to injury.