It was about being in the house.

She put the dish on the counter and looked around the kitchen the way she always did — a slow pan, taking inventory — and then she sat down at my father’s table and said:

“Christopher tells me you’re having a difficult time.”

“Does he.”

“He’s very worried.

He’s carrying a great deal at that firm and he’s worried about you on top of it.” She folded her hands.

“Gwen, I’m going to say something and you’re not going to like it.”