Letting trained people care for her was not the same as leaving her with people who ignored my refusal.

I began learning the difference one visit at a time.

PART 6 — A Door on Elm Street

Clara had left a newspaper with apartment advertisements circled in blue ink.

I had not asked her to find them, and at first I could barely look at the paper.

Then I began making calls.

Accepting an address she had found did not require me to accept her account of everything or invite her into the home.

It was a listing, and I could check it myself.