We sent a formal demand under the settlement’s reimbursement and cure provisions, then discussed what steps were available if Mark failed to act.

It was not dramatic work.

It was meticulous, repetitive, and necessary.

That evening, Mark called and said he had forgotten the due date.

He insisted the money was coming next week from a commercial job.

Sarah confirmed the lender later received the payment, including a late fee.

When I told my sister, she wanted to know whether I regretted letting him keep the cars.

“Sometimes,” I admitted.