“You’ve already talked to a lender?”

“I wanted to know it was possible before I brought it to you. I didn’t want to make a promise I couldn’t keep.” He exchanged a look with Dana, who was studying the untouched coffee cake.

“I need time to think,” Scott said finally.

“Of course. I’m not asking for an answer today.” Amber said she wanted time too, her voice warmer than before — though I reminded myself that kindness and agreement aren’t the same thing.

They left just after two, and I stayed behind, sitting in Dad’s armchair at the exact angle that eased his hip, wondering whether I was truly ready for everything that came with keeping the place.

For Scott and Amber, the house had never carried these memories. They hadn’t grown up here. The creek wasn’t part of their childhood; the rooster tiles were just old tiles.