“Good morning, Claire,” Vanessa said, setting her mug down on the granite counter.

She tilted her head and checked her lipstick in the reflection of the stainless steel toaster.

“We thought we’d get a head start on the kitchen cupboards while the weather’s clear.”

“These cupboards belong to my kitchen,” I said.

Vanessa picked up a roll of brown packing tape and set it next to a box of permanent markers.

“I know this transition is hard on you,” Vanessa said, talking over me before I had even finished taking off my coat.

“Moving out of a house you love is always emotional.