I opened my trunk and lifted out the first heavy suitcase.

The black fabric was scuffed at the corners from earlier business trips, but the brass zippers were locked tight.

I carried it over the concrete lip and set it down firmly on the left side of the pallet.

The second suitcase was heavier, crammed with winter coats, three pairs of work shoes and my personal tax files from the past five years.

I dragged it out of the trunk, set it next to the first one, and rested my hand on the cold aluminum handle for a moment.