My mother changed the locks on the house I had just purchased and said flatly, “Get out…

They turned away, already celebrating, already acting like I was a guest at my own front door.

But as they walked inside, Madison Bennett dangling my keys like they were hers, I lifted my eyes to Karen Bennett and held her gaze.

“Are you sure?” I asked softly.

Karen Bennett’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Yes.”

I nodded slowly.