I signed the papers in a quiet office with a window overlooking a parking lot.

No music played.

No one made a speech.

I felt tired when I left, but not defeated.

The house had been cleaned, repaired, and prepared for Hailey’s return.

Rachel helped repaint her bedroom a color she chose herself: a soft yellow she called “butter sunshine.” We moved Claire’s photographs back into the hallway and filled the refrigerator with Hailey’s drawings.

Before we went home, I took Hailey on a short visit to the house during daylight.