“Do you want me to take the files to the office for shredding?” Arthur asked.

“No,” I said.

“They belong here.”

I put the rusted lid back on the tin and pressed down until the edges sealed tight.

I picked up a step stool from the corner of the kitchen and carried it to the pantry.

I set it flat on the tile floor and climbed up to the second step.

The highest pantry shelf was completely empty.

I reached up and set the rusted butter cookie tin safely in the back corner.