I looked at him, then laughed softly.

“That may be the best suggestion I’ve heard all month.”

We built a plan to distribute responsibilities properly.

I had spent years doing invisible work and calling it devotion.

Now I wanted systems that made everybody’s contribution visible, including mine.

Meanwhile, Mark moved into a rented apartment after our lawyers negotiated a temporary living arrangement.

Ofelia stayed briefly with Margaret, then made other plans.

I did not change locks in the middle of a dispute or throw belongings onto the lawn.