Three cardboard boxes in a hallway closet changed everything after forty years

in my cardigan pockets.

“I need to sort through the papers myself first,” I said.

Richard let out a short, sharp laugh.

“We do not have time for nostalgia, Martha,” he said. “The market is shifting, and we need to act now.”

“The dresser stays here for now,” I said.

He stared at me for a long moment, his eyes narrowing before he finally continue reading …