Paige wasn’t surprised. She admitted she’d stopped correcting Dad years ago and had quietly admired that I kept trying. Renee’s case manager gave me an unexpectedly simple answer: a landlord could accept a personal reference instead of traditional payroll records. Suddenly, I realized the bungalow didn’t have to remain empty while I decided what came next.

Its sunny kitchen, bay window, and stair-free layout could become a home for Renee and Tessa at a modest rent, with me personally vouching for them. Renee refused twice because she feared becoming another obligation I would eventually regret. The third time, I told her about the grocery store, the cake, and the moment I’d finally answered my parents with one word: “Okay.” Renee cried before finally agreeing. On moving day, Tessa taped a paper snowflake into the bay window and carefully held it there until it stayed.