Different versions changed dates and details as if someone were trying to make the story fit available documents.

One folder was labeled TRANSITION.

Inside was a budget for maintaining Julian’s home, Chloe’s apartment, and what he called “relocation support for E.” It took me a full minute to understand that E was me.

In his planning, I had been reduced to a line item.

He had estimated how little money I would need after moving away, while proposing that Noah stay in the house.

But the drive also included something I had not anticipated: correspondence showing that Julian’s company had real financial problems.