Denise had a calm manner and an ability to ask direct questions without making people feel cornered. She checked the kitchen, the exits, and Silas’s sleeping arrangements. She spoke privately with Evelyn about the bills and the clutter.
Evelyn admitted she had forgotten several appointments. She had also missed two utility payments, though Daniel had corrected them when the notices arrived.
“I’m not helpless,” she insisted.
“No one said you were,” Denise replied. “But managing a house and caring for a seven-year-old every day is a great deal for one person.”
“I’ve raised children.”
“That doesn’t mean you have to manage everything alone now.”
Evelyn looked toward the stacks lining the hallway.
For the first time, she seemed to see them as we did.
Not as saved objects.
As weight.
Daniel stood in the kitchen with his arms folded.
“I’ll make other arrangements for after school.”
