Lena

The envelope arrived at three PM on a Tuesday.

I was in the kitchen making tea when Mrs. Billy brought it in, holding it between two fingers like it might bite.

"This just came for you," she said. "Courier service. Required signature."

The envelope was heavy cream cardstock. Expensive. The return address was embossed in elegant script: Voss & Associates, Attorneys at Law.

My stomach dropped.

"Thank you," I said, taking it.

Mrs. Billy looked at the envelope, then at my face.

"Would you like me to stay?" she asked quietly.

"No. I'm fine."

"Mrs. Blackwood…"

"I'm fine, Mrs. Billy. Really."

She didn't look convinced, but she left anyway,...