“The hard part was refusing to keep paying for a version of my life that only worked as long as I didn’t know the full price,” I said.

Carl nodded once, looking out at the dark rows of corn.

“One bad record line spoils the whole harvest if you let it sit,” Carl said.

“You cleared the field before the snow came.”

“I cleared it,” I said.

“My shop equipment is always here for you, Nora,” Carl said.

“And your work on this farm is fully valued.”

He stood up and walked toward the screen door.