As if we had memorized a script, came the request from one who had called himself beloved: "Release me?" We, the children and I, had just listened to the recording where Neil Gaiman read ' A Christmas Carol ' at NYC Public Library and we had begun to listen to an audio drama of the same story . So, the scene where Belle releases Ebenezer was fresh in our minds. But listen, it has never been far from mine. I should mention we've been traveling down the crooked alley of divorce for at least a half a mile. We are closer to the end of that passage than the day he filed his intent... Best Man and Maid of Honor replaced now with attorneys on either side. The Reverend who married us in his backyard and bumbled through the vows replaced by a judge, honorable and wise. There is no music, but the courtroom's bailiff has a delightful sense of humor and keeps things running smoothly. She tells us when to sit and stand and speak. We meet in courtroom 2B, inviting metap...