Inside were the usual things: a small notebook, a packet of tissues, receipts from the grocery store. Nothing alarming. She exhaled, a mix of relief and guilt. But as she reached deeper, her fingers brushed against glossy paper. She pulled it out. It was a real estate brochure. Bright lettering at the top read “New Beginnings. Peaceful Neighborhoods. Room to Grow.”
The photo showed a modern townhouse with white walls and a trimmed hedge out front, the sort of place Lisa always said she’d love “someday.” Helen turned it over, scanning for details. The date printed in the corner was recent, only two weeks old. Her pulse quickened. Had Lisa been looking at houses? Without telling her?