The day the final settlement was signed, Sandra called to inform me that my business ownership was fully secured and restitution orders were enacted.

I sat in my new office, looking at the desk we had installed for my first hired associate.

My mother’s home still had the same uneven kitchen tiles I’d complained about as a teenager.

She had a habit of opening every window when she cooked, even in winter, and the house smelled of onions and fresh bread.

The familiar details made me feel young and safe at once.

I told her the settlement had taken another step forward and that I was still nervous about saying it was over.