“It’s a lot,” I said.

The lot behind the building sloped down toward a line of dumpsters, and my car was the only one in the far row.

I sat behind the wheel without starting the engine.

The folder went on the passenger seat.

The steering wheel was warm where the sun had come through, and I held it with both hands and looked at the brick wall.

A woman in a blue coat came out a side door carrying a plant, and the door swung shut behind her and caught on the frame without latching.