We visited six rentals before choosing the yellow house.

Two were too expensive, one was too far from my work, and another had a back door Lily said she would never feel comfortable using.

I did not argue with her about that door.

The house was supposed to be a fresh start for both of us.

The yellow place had a walnut tree and a neighbor named Mrs.

Flores, who kept bird feeders beside her fence.

Its kitchen cabinets were old, the hallway paint needed touching up, and the living room smelled faintly of lemon cleaner when we toured it.