The prospect of being financially connected to the property any longer made my stomach ache.

My second reaction was grief.

I remembered choosing tiles while pregnant, painting Tommy’s nursery a soft green, and watching the oak tree in the backyard grow through twelve seasons.

Sarah handled the negotiations.

There were questions about the listing price, repairs, closing costs, and the order in which liens would be paid.

Some debts belonged solely to Mark under the agreement; others still needed formal payoff and releases.

Everyone involved had to work from the actual creditor statements.