An estimate for an elderly neighbor.

I looked at the four feet of polished wood, the white flowers, and the black velvet cloth folded over the arm of the sofa.

The receipt had said four-foot mahogany.

I had seen that paper in his garage with my own eyes.

This was the same wood, the same size.

A folded white card stood among the lilies.

I didn’t read it.

I was staring at the shawl inside the box.