Now I was beginning to understand that a good life might be made mostly of ordinary days I was free to enjoy.

PART 12

The settlement took shape in a conference room with frosted windows and a long table that made everyone look farther apart than they were.

I attended with Maren, while my father sat with his attorney.

My mother had chosen not to come.

The documents described a schedule for repayment of improperly distributed amounts, additional interest as negotiated, and the appointment of an independent professional to administer the remaining trust assets.

The agreement did not resolve every family wound.