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That time, I laughed out loud. I couldn\u2019t help it. It sounded absurd, like a bad sitcom line. But her face stayed flat, arms crossed. She meant it. I placed the socks in the basket slowly, as if movement might delay reality. Then I stood up and walked past her, calm and quiet. In the hallway, I caught a glimpse of our family photo on the shelf\u2014my frame, my print. But I wasn\u2019t in it anymore.<\/p>\n
The office door was already open. Boxes were stacked inside. By the next morning, the shift had already begun. Taran knocked lightly on my door like I was a guest borrowing space. She stepped in with a plastic smile and a Sharpie in her hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, do you mind starting to pack up some of your non\u2011essentials? Just so we can start making room for the in\u2011laws. I figured the office closet could hold some of your stuff temporarily. Non\u2011essentials.\u201d<\/p>\n