Melanie had been selling them through online auction platforms and estate resale companies for six months. The timing matched their vacations, their luxury purchases, and the deposits for trips they’d described to me as “business networking opportunities.”

I couldn’t find words.

Valerie gave me time.

For years, Melanie had come to Sunday dinner and, near the end of the evening, lifted two fingers to her temple.

“Howard, I’m sorry,” she’d say. “I’m getting one of my headaches. Would you mind if I lie down upstairs for a little while?”

I had brought her water.