Lena insisted I take an afternoon away from files.

We drove to a small antique shop outside town.

She didn’t explain why until we were standing in front of a shelf lined with mismatched china and heavy glass dishes.

“I’m not replacing your grandmother’s bowl,” she said.

“I know I can’t.”

My throat tightened.

“Then why bring me here?”

“Because you keep talking as though he broke the last good thing she gave you.”