When I saw Mara again, I told her I had decided not to sell the property, no matter how much the developer offered.

“That’s your choice,” she said.

“But make it with a clear plan for its costs.”

I showed her a budget.

I’d obtained estimates to stabilize the porch, repair the water damage, restore the locks, and make the ground floor accessible.

My disability pension and savings could cover the first stages, though not everything at once.

Mara smiled at the orderly columns.

“You really did run logistics.”