“Did you keep anything?” I asked.

Lauren went to a cabinet above the counter and took down a cedar box.

She had always kept important things in small, orderly places.

During our marriage, movie tickets and birthday cards had lived in a similar box.

This one was rubbed smooth at the corners from being opened often.

Inside lay a knitted cap, photographs, an infant hospital bracelet labeled MASON KEATON, and an envelope addressed to LIAM ALBRIGHT.

The edges had yellowed.