“Three days later, she turned in her early retirement papers.”

By four thirty the sun had dropped low behind the oaks in the park outside the records building.

I sat by myself on a green-painted bench, the cool autumn air seeping through the fabric of my coat.

I slowly raised my hand and found the little silver filigree locket on its chain around my neck, holding the cool metal in my palm while I spread the copy of the prenup addendum over my knees.

The March 14 date stood out in clear, heavy type near the top margin.