I looked toward the front window.
The spot where Brenda’s SUV had been parked was empty.
“Could you go by the house today?”
“I can.”
“My children are on their way there.”
That made Ellen pause again.
“Do they live there?”
“No.”
“Are they tenants?”
“No.”
“They’re family?”
“Yes.”
I heard my own answer and nearly laughed at the inadequacy of the word.
Family.
It could mean the people who knew your heart better than anyone.
It could also mean the people most capable of forgetting you had one.
“They have my keys,” I said.
“Do they know you’re considering selling?”
“No.”
“Margaret, I want to be clear about something. I’m happy to help you, but I don’t want you making a permanent financial decision because you’re hurt this morning.”
My fingers tightened around the receiver.
“I’m not confused.”
“I didn’t say you were.”
