That’s the only thing left on my list, and I can’t do anything about it but wait.”

Two weeks put us at the end of the month.

Carl cleared his throat from the doorway again.

“The deed goes back in the envelope tonight.

Don’t leave it in a drawer.”

At seven thirty Martha took my hand on the front porch, where the boards were still warm.

“You did not shame him,” she said.

“Not once.