Below it, at Mariana’s request, we placed a small bench and hooks for coats.

Staff and family used the entrance freely.

Nobody had to pretend they didn’t belong.

Weeks later, on an ordinary Saturday morning, Mariana and I walked to the neighborhood market together.

We bought eggs, coffee, bread, fruit, and a bundle of sunflowers.

At the register, she reached for her wallet.

Her card worked.

No one looked over her shoulder.