The moving company arrived promptly at nine o'clock. I had already packed all my things: three cardboard boxes and one suitcase in total.
Isabelle came downstairs wearing her lounge-wear and stood on the stairwell landing watching me.
"Is that all?" she asked.
"Mm." I carried the boxes out one by one. "I'm not keeping most of my stuff."
Isabelle walked over and lifted the heaviest cardboard box. "I'll take that."
I paused and didn't refuse. "Thanks."
Isabelle carried the boxes out to the moving van, making three trips in total.
After the last trip, she stood in the doorway of my room.
My room—or it used to be—was nearly empty. The curtains had been pulled open, and sunlight streamed in, making the space feel especially empty.
On the desk, the wooden box sat alone.
I walked over,
