I put all the documents into a stiff cardboard envelope.

I shut the filing cabinet drawer and pushed it tight against the frame.

My phone vibrated on the wooden desk.

A text from Claire lit up the screen.

She was asking whether I’d gotten the birth record and my proof of residence.

I typed back a one-word yes.

I carried the envelope back into the kitchen.

Hannah came down the stairs, tugging the sleeves of her blue fleece hoodie over her thumbs.