An Open Door

The daughter came in November. She listened to the bell once and asked Imani to disconnect it. Together they packed the letters and gave the useful furniture to a local shelter. The house became a place for afternoon classes. At four on opening day, somebody rang a new bell by the front door. Children came inside carrying paintbrushes. Imani checked the lock and handed over both keys. The old timer remained on a shelf, unwound, beside a photograph of the people who had once called the quiet house home.