I offered my hand.

She took it, and we sat at the kitchen table without discussing how much groceries cost or whether a car could make someone happy enough to abandon a family.

Later, when all six were finally asleep, I went upstairs and found the space Elena had emptied.

There was a mark on the shelf where a bag had stood.

A shoe box remained open beneath it.

I put the lid on because I could not think what else to do.