“I’ve got you, Mom.”

That was enough.

Chapter 4 — Temporary

Two years later I sold the Oak Park house. It had become too quiet; every room held another version of Thomas I could no longer reach.

Daniel and Vanessa now had two young children, Lily and Noah, and a newly built house in Naperville. Daniel suggested the move over Sunday dinner. “Sell the house and move in with us.”

I hesitated. Vanessa reached across the table. “The children would love having you nearby.” Daniel described a private suite waiting on the main floor.

“You’ll never be lonely again. You can travel, work when you want, spend time with the kids.”