The board agenda for the next week waited in my bag.

The contractor needed another decision about a cabinet.

I had calls to return and Friday’s coffee to put on the calendar.

I sat down before doing any of it.

I thought briefly of Zachary in the smaller office, of Brenda learning that a settlement did not restore access, of Paige’s career and the choices recorded in her plea.

Their lives had consequences I did not need to supervise personally.

The company had work to continue.