to know—presented without agenda.”
“Very diplomatic,” Helen observed.
“And the empty house?” she asked. “You mentioned something about leaving a special present there before the new owners took possession.”
I smiled, recalling the final detail.
“Yes,” I said. “That’s being handled this afternoon.”
After seeing my mother off at the airport—with promises of another visit during the holidays—I returned to my cottage feeling strangely light.
Tomorrow, the portfolio would be delivered to Amber.
My final maternal act—neither vindictive nor self-sacrificing.
Today, another gesture was being completed at the empty house
