Caroline photographed the tray before they finished, wanting a memory that belonged entirely to that afternoon.

Later, Nora asked whether she could keep Amelia’s notebook on the shelf beside her bed.

Caroline said yes and helped her find a protective cover.

Violet chose the striped scarf, which she wrapped around the stuffed fox.

That night Nora asked a question Caroline had known might come.

“If Mama were still here, would everything be different?”