Then believe his answer.”

That evening I went home tired and proud.

I took off my shoes at the door, opened the curtains, and stood for a moment in the fading light.

I could see enough to find the lamp.

I knew enough to ask for help when I needed it.

And for the first time, neither fact made me feel less whole.

PART 26

A year after the day I dragged the folder out from beneath our bed, I walked past the old house on my way to meet Evelyn for coffee.