“Downsizing?” Her horror was palpable, even through the phone.

“But this neighborhood, Alice’s school district—”

“There are excellent public schools,” I pointed out, “and smaller homes in good neighborhoods.

These are the kinds of decisions most families make based on their actual incomes.”

After a stunned silence, she mumbled something about looking into options and ended the call.

Later that week, I noticed a for-sale sign had appeared in front of their house.