I shifted Ivy higher. “Please step back. I’m holding one newborn and changing another.”

I zipped Lily halfway, tucked her safely against me, grabbed the diaper bag, and pushed the stroller into the hallway with my hip.

A small crowd had formed.

Patricia followed with her chin raised. “Do you understand who you’re talking to?”

I adjusted Lily’s blanket with my chin.

“My name is Patricia. I work for the largest rental management company in this city. I handle applications for half the apartment buildings around here. Now you’re wasting my time. I should be with my daughter.”

My stomach dropped.

After the funeral, I had applied for smaller apartments closer to Claire’s mother.

Patricia smiled when she saw my face change.

“One call,” she said, “and you’ll never find a place to live in this city again. I just need your name, and it’s all over.”