It did not capture the morning of the coffee or the years of pressure that came before it.

Iris read it carefully, filed it with her records, and returned to her ordinary day.

A friend later asked whether she felt vindicated.

“A little,” Iris admitted.

“Mostly I feel glad I didn’t let them convince me I imagined it.”

That afternoon she received an indirect request through attorneys: Garrett wanted to send a letter expressing remorse.

Celia explained that Iris could decline without affecting the legal arrangements already made.

Iris thought about the question overnight.