The yellow audit ledger and the printed subpoena slips had been cleared off the maple counter.

In their place were two green ceramic bowls, a loaf of whole-wheat bread and a glass pitcher of orange juice.

Sophie sat on the tall kitchen stool by the stove, her legs swinging slowly against the wooden rungs.

She was wearing her bright pink cardigan, her little thumbs working carefully up from the bottom hem.

“Look, Mommy,” Sophie said, pointing her index finger at the third white button.

“Every button’s in its right hole today.”