The Final Appraisal at the Lake House Before the Family Reckoning

softly.

Diane said, “I think what Mark means is that transitions can be delicate.”

Ruth turned to her.

“Delicate for whom?”

Diane blinked.

“For everyone.”

“For the people who live here,” Ruth said, “or the people who visit and rearrange the future over meatloaf?”

Claire whispered, “Ruth.”

But Ruth was not finished.

She spoke gently.

That made it worse.

“I have continue reading …