“It Was Never Yours,” My Mother Said — Then the County Recorder Pulled Up the Deed

in a decade. But none of that matters because you’re not performing happiness constantly?”

I shrugged, but the gesture felt heavy. “Apparently not.”

She studied me for a moment, then reached over to grab the rusted keys I’d brought home and tossed on my desk. “So where exactly is this disaster zone they gave you?”

“Oakley Avenue. East side.”

Her eyes widened.continue reading …