Diane McTigue

Diane McTigue is a former lawyer. Her writing has appeared in Chaleur Magazine and Ponder Review, et al, and one of her short stories was just named a finalist in a themed contest for House Journal. Her book, Breaking Down: A Memoir, was released in 2021. She is currently working to publish her first novel.

The Comforting Words Package

Evelyn skims the morning’s featured obituaries. Pure white-bread fare. Only one phrase grabs her attention: “in his kind and gentle way.” It’s simple but disarming, and it stirs a pang of empathy in her gut. She jots it down. Evelyn shakes her head at the grainy photos. When she reaches an advanced age, she’ll have a professional headshot taken just for this purpose.