Meanwhile, I focused on rebuilding my own life—not just around Alice, but for myself.

I joined a book club at the local library, reconnected with old friends I’d neglected during James’s illness, and even began a watercolor class on Tuesday mornings.

Small steps toward the woman I might have been all along, had I not subsumed myself in caretaking roles.

Luka checked in regularly, making sure the legal protections held.

The recordings and documents stayed securely in my safety deposit box, insurance against any backsliding.

“Have you considered returning the items you removed from the house,” he asked during one conversation, “now that the immediate threat has passed?”