“I just want you to be comfortable this winter,” she said.

She pulled away before I could answer.

She walked down the wooden steps and crossed the gravel driveway.

She climbed into her SUV, started the engine, and backed out slowly.

I watched her drive away until the white paint disappeared behind the trees.

I went back inside and locked the door.

The house felt too quiet again.

I walked into the farm office and started pulling empty cardboard boxes from the stack in the corner.