“Where did you find those?” I asked.

“Aunt Connie’s photo boxes.

She gave me permission.”

I lifted the birthday photograph.

Elena’s expression was caught between laughter and embarrassment.

It had been years since I’d allowed myself to look at that picture for more than a few seconds.

“I thought putting her face away would help me move forward,” I said.

Valerie sat on the arm of the couch.