An Ambulance Took My Mother to the Hospital—When I Returned for Her Medical Folder, I Found My Mother-in-Law Moving Into Her Apartment

Two jackets.

The handwoven shawl that had belonged to my grandmother.

Ophelia stood in front of the closet, pushing hangers aside.

Inside were her own sequined jackets and brightly patterned blouses.

A cardboard box sat on the floor.

Inside it:

My mother’s shoes.

I said: