Nick’s answer was short.

*Card payment. Need it by Monday.*

I stared at those words.

A card payment?

What card payment?

We had a shared credit card, and I knew exactly how much was owed on it.

What debt was my husband hiding?

Elaine called again around noon.

“Tara has agreed to record a full explanation of what happened. Would you like a copy?”

“Yes.”

“She’s also packing everything that’s left.”

I thanked her.

Then Elaine asked for my clothing sizes.

I frowned.

“Why?”

“Because you need things you can wear immediately.”

“Elaine, you don’t have to buy anything.”

“I know, sweetheart. I’m asking whether you’ll let me.”

That question broke something inside me.

For nearly twenty-four hours, I’d been treated as unreasonable for expecting control over my own belongings.

Now my mother-in-law was asking permission before buying me a simple pair of pants.