“Time to mark your page,” I said.

Lily slipped a thin piece of cardboard between the pages and closed the heavy cover.

She slid out of the big armchair and stood on the wool rug.

“Do I have to turn off the porch light?” she asked.

“I’ll get it,” I said.

“You go brush your teeth.”

Lily walked down the dark hallway toward the freshly painted blue bedroom.

I walked to the heavy front door.

Through the small glass window, I could see the dark, wet street.

I flipped the wall switch and turned off the bright porch light.

I turned the brass deadbolt until it clicked deep into the metal frame, locking the door tight for the night.

“Welcome home, Lily.”