January 8, 2020:

She told me, "You have really great tone," a helluva great compliment from a jazz musician. I was dead chuffed.

I knew we were over when she took home her flute. I'd been so touched when she'd left it. Symbol of commitment and comfort and communion. From the moment she asked for it back, "to practice more," it was obvious her decision was made. It only remained for her to say it out loud.