That has to be us. Tom's expression grew serious. It is. Something in his voice stopped her. I canceled the open house this morning.
Anna went still. Because of me? No. The answer came immediately. Firmly. Anna's shoulders relaxed.
Tom looked toward the living room. For four years, I told myself keeping everything the same meant I was honoring Margaret. He paused. Then Beth decided changing everything would fix me. Anna listened.
I let grief make the first decision. Then I nearly let my daughter's fear make the next one. He looked back at her. I'm not ready to sell this house. Anna said nothing.
I might be someday. Maybe next year. Maybe 5 years from now. Maybe I'll wake up and realize the stairs annoy me more than the memories matter. That made her smile.
But if I leave, I want it to be because I chose something new, not because I'm running from something old. That sounds like the right reason. I think so. Tom stepped closer, but not too close. And it has nothing to do with whether you stay.
There it was. No pressure, no debt, a choice that belonged to him. Tom nodded toward the cardboard boxes. As for us, Anna raised an eyebrow. I'd like the chance to know you without cardboard between us.
She laughed softly. That's your pitch? I had a better one. What happened? Murphy disrupted my timing.
From the doorway came Beth's voice. Apparently, I'm the only person in this family without voting rights. Anna turned. Beth stood there holding two coffees, her expression halfway between resignation and amusement. Tom looked toward Murphy.
He's difficult to overrule. Beth handed Anna one of the coffees. Don't make me regret this. I thought you still hated it. I do.
Beth took a sip. I'm trying something called emotional complexity, Tom laughed. Anna looked at him. Then Beth, then Murphy, still guarding the key. Tom asked quietly.
One date, Anna let the question sit. No promises, no future negotiated in advance. Just one choice. One date, Tom smiled. I'll take one.
Murphy lifted his head. Anna pointed at him. You are not coming. The dog stood immediately. Beth sighed.
He thinks that was a challenge. Their first date happened 9 days later. Nine days felt sensible, responsible, long enough for Beth to stop looking at both of them as though they had personally invented awkwardness. Not long enough for Murphy to forgive them for leaving him behind. Beth established rules before Anna left for dinner.