Walter had favored the condo because he could walk to the train, and because they might need fewer stairs as they grew older.

It was the first major purchase they had made together, and he had believed it would be a place where everybody felt welcome.

“I cannot tell you how badly I regret that you came to feel like a visitor here,” he said.

There was a pause while he found the next word.

“Not a servant.

Not a guest.

Family.”

His voice trembled.