We stood together without speaking.

The work of rebuilding trust wasn’t finished.

But for the first time since the office lobby, I believed we were doing the work together.

PART 19

Winter brought a letter from the agency that maintained the state’s vital records.

It explained that the original death record had been flagged for review based on newly substantiated identity information.

The legal correction was not yet complete, but the acknowledgment was real.

Miriam folded the letter into the pocket of her coat and carried it for days.