By the time Elaine called asking whether we wanted lunch, the first folder contained fewer assumptions than when Sophie arrived.

It also contained a more serious question.

If my father chose where this invitation went, what else had he chosen while telling each of us a different story?

Sophie opened another archive labeled family logistics.

“There are other events.”

I moved the coffee cups away from the papers.

“Then let’s look at them.”

PART 5 — The Apology and the Folder