“You’re quiet this morning, Patty.”

“I’m tired, is all.”

He patted his back pocket again, then took his keys from the hook.

The white corner of paper was still there.

He went out the back door.

I listened to his truck start and idle, then pull away.

I didn’t take the paper out again until he was gone.

I set it on the counter and smoothed the crease with my palm.