The taxi went through the front gates as I looked back at that kitchen window for the last time.

Margaret put a brass key down on the laminate kitchen counter.

The ring struck the surface with a clear, heavy chime that rang through the empty room.

“The landlord signed the month-to-month lease at seven o’clock this morning,” Margaret said.

“The first month and the security deposit came right out of the corporate operating account.”

I picked up the key.

It was light in my hand, far lighter than the heavy mortise key for the front door on Lakeview Drive.