A place is only what people make it while they’re there.
I handed over the final keys.
Jordan shook my hand.
“Thank you.”
“Take care of it.”
“We will.”
I walked outside.
The metal For Sale sign had been replaced with a small red plaque.
SOLD
Melissa stood beside it holding two coffees.
“One for you.”
“Thanks.”
She looked at the house.
“You okay?”
“Yeah.”
“You sure?”
“No.”
She smiled.
“That sounds more accurate.”
I took the coffee.
“Do you ever feel bad selling houses people don’t want sold?”
“All the time.”
“That’s comforting.”
She laughed.
“Property transactions are emotional. Houses are rarely just wood.”
I looked through the front window.
Empty now.
Mom had taken the curtains.
Dad had taken his chair.
Tessa’s recliner was gone.
That made me smile.
Melissa noticed.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
She handed me an envelope.
“What’s this?”
“Final settlement summary.”
