“Sole survivorship.

Filed two years ago, and it took the county until last month to match it to the discharge.”

“The discharge from the old mortgage.”

“Signed by your husband.

Eighteen thousand in arrears cleared, one hundred and fifty thousand in principal, paid in full.” She recited it like a grocery list.

“All clear title.

There’s nothing on this parcel but you.”

I put the deed into the kitchen folder, the one with the tab marked House, and set it back in the drawer with both hands.