On my birthday they left me alone at home and went to Europe with my savings.

“Yes.”

“Is it only in his name?”

“Yes.”

“Do you have proof?”

“All of them.”

A brief silence.

“Then you can sell. Do it correctly. Document everything. Protect yourself.”

That’s what I did.

I asked for two days off.

Not to suffer.

To organize.

First I packed the sentimental: my grandmother’s jewelry, old letters, photos.

Then the essentials: documents, computer, work material.

What was mine, I protected.

What was theirs, I inventoried.

The real estate agent toured the house.

“It will sell out fast. Good area. Renovated kitchen. Do you want a high price or a quick close?”