Linda said it would be easier for everyone.

I could not imagine sleeping beneath their roof while their explanation of mine changed every time I asked a question.

My townhouse key remained in the laptop bag.

The first time Sophia took me past the property, a new lock plate shone on the front door.

I stood on the path with a cane, staring at a piece of brass that hadn’t been there when I went to surgery.

“Don’t force it,” Sophia said.