Before leaving, I asked Samantha to write down the practical details of the move and what she expected from me.

She looked startled.

“I don’t want to assume,” I said.

The surprise passed.

“All right.”

We discussed timing, where they would stay, what assistance she needed, and what I could realistically offer while managing my own grief.

Returning to Minnesota did not mean moving every responsibility into my house without asking.

I was willing to help.