People came and went—distant cousins, neighbors, Robert’s co-workers. They all said the same thing: “He was a great man.” “He’s in a better place.” “Time heals all wounds.” But none of them knew what was about to happen.

It was then that Valerie approached me. She leaned in as if to offer condolences, her perfume sweet and cloying. She put a hand on my shoulder, brought her lips to my ear, and whispered, “Save your tears, Andrea. You’re going to need them when you lose the house.”