When everyone left, I packed the photographs into an album and placed the birthday candles in a drawer.

Grief felt different that night.

It was no longer just an ache for the man who had protected me in the end.

It was gratitude for the ordinary, funny, flawed person he had been before everything became difficult.

PART 26

Not long afterward, Beverly asked Paige whether she could visit my apartment.

I was surprised, but I agreed to meet for afternoon tea.

I made clear that the visit would be an hour, not an invitation to discuss property or ask for financial help.