I came home from the funeral to tell my parents and sister that my husband had left me $8.5m and 6 Manhattan lofts. When I walked into the house, I overheard my parents talking. What they were saying… made my blood run cold.

“I’m fine to drive, Mom.”
“You’re grieving. Let your father take you wherever you need to go.”She turns a page. Conversation over.

By noon, Gerald has scheduled a second appointment with Dr. Voss. At the house tomorrow, no discussion. He just wants to follow up, Gerald says at lunch chewing a sandwich. “Standard stuff.”

At 2:00, Chloe calls on FaceTime. She’s at a bridal boutique, veils draped over every surface.

“Hey, so mom says you should sign a power of attorney while you’re home so we can help manage things while you grieve.”

She holds up a veil.

“What do you think of this one?”

“I’m not signing a power of attorney, Chloe.”

“God, don’t be difficult. It’s what families do. Just sign it, Fay. It’s not like you have anyone else to help you.”

She hangs up before I can respond.

That evening, I try to check my email on the laptop in the den. The Wi-Fi password has been changed. Gerald shrugs when I ask.

“Must have reset during the storm last week. I’ll look into it.”

There was no storm last week. I checked.

I go to the bathroom, lock the door, and text James on cellular data.