Mariana didn’t tear open the flap.

She picked up the envelope, walked across the tile floor to the tall green trash can beside the sink, and stepped on the pedal.

She dropped the unopened letter straight into the bottom of the bag.

The metal lid fell shut with a quiet, solid click.

Mariana wiped her hands on her apron and walked over to the kitchen table.

“Finish your juice, Noah,” she said, her voice soft and steady.