She did, however, emerge with a clearer financial position, her apartment secured under the settlement, and enforceable boundaries about contact.

When Celia handed her the final documents, Iris expected a rush of emotion.

Instead she felt surprisingly calm.

“You did a lot of hard work,” the attorney said.

“So did you.”

“What will you do next?”

Iris looked down at her hands.

There was no ring on her finger.